On Sunday, Ukrainian forces successfully took out a Russian “Strela-10” Arrow air defense system in a drone attack, as confirmed by Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR). The attack, which was captured on video and shared on Telegram, showed the moment that Ukraine’s first-person-view (FPV) drones struck the defense system, causing it to go up in smoke. The attack coincided with Russia’s Air Defense Forces Day, and HUR celebrated the successful neutralization of the Russian system. The Strela-10 is a Soviet-era surface-to-air missile system, and according to a Dutch open-source intelligence site, Ukraine has already destroyed or captured 44 of Moscow’s Strela-10 systems since the start of the war.
On Tuesday, Ukrainian troops successfully shot down enemy drones using a ZU-23-2 Soviet 23-mm twin anti-aircraft gun in an undisclosed location in Ukraine. In addition, Kyiv’s forces reported taking out another Moscow air defense system over the weekend. The Special Operation Forces (SSO) also reported targeting and taking out one of Russia’s T-90 tanks along the Donetsk front. A video shared on SSO’s Telegram page showed footage captured by an FPV drone, tracking the tank as it traveled down a road before being immobilized and bursting into flames. The attack resulted in the commander and gunner of the tank being wounded and Russian soldiers moving out of the damaged T-90 to another armored vehicle.
The momentum of the conflict along the front lines between Russia and Ukraine has largely favored Russia this year, with geolocated footage reviewed by the Institute for the Study of War revealing that Moscow has pushed the point of conflict deeper into Ukrainian territory in the Donetsk region as of Sunday. Despite this, Ukrainian forces have demonstrated their ability to target and neutralize Russian air defense systems and tanks effectively, as seen in recent drone attacks and artillery strikes. The ongoing conflict continues to escalate, with both sides engaging in combat operations and exchanging fire along the front lines.
The success of Ukrainian forces in targeting Russian air defense systems and tanks highlights their strategic capabilities and determination in defending their territory against Russian aggression. The use of drones and artillery has proven to be effective in neutralizing enemy targets and disrupting Russian military operations. As the conflict continues, both sides are likely to intensify their efforts to gain strategic advantages and control over key territories in the region. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine remains a focal point of international attention, with implications for regional stability and global security. The resilience and effectiveness of Ukrainian forces in defending against Russian forces demonstrate their commitment to preserving their sovereignty and territorial integrity.
