The Ukrainian Special Operations Forces (SSO) shared a video showcasing one of their drones destroying a T-72 tank and other Russian military equipment in the Donetsk region of Ukraine. The accompanying message stated that the strike also resulted in the elimination of 11 Russian soldiers. The Donetsk region has been witnessing intense fighting, with Russian forces reportedly attacking the town of Chasiv Yar. However, there have been no significant advances made by the Russians in the region recently.
The video was posted on the SSO’s X and Telegram accounts, showing a first-person view (FPV) drone used by the “Medoyid” tactical group of the 3rd regiment during the assault. The mission reportedly resulted in the destruction of a T-72 tank, a 2S6 “Tunguska” anti-aircraft missile gun complex, an armored combat vehicle, and the 11 troops. The authenticity of the video has not been independently verified, and there has been no response from the Russian Ministry of Defense regarding the incident.
The Kyiv Post reported that a new T-72 tank can cost between $3-4 million, while an older Soviet T-72 may cost as low as half a million dollars. The 2S6 “Tunguska” anti-aircraft missile gun is described as a Russian anti-aircraft missile and gun system designed for defense against aerial threats. This successful drone attack is not an isolated incident, as the SSO has previously reported destroying two Russian tanks using FPVs earlier in the month, including another T-72 tank and a T-90 tank.
The T-90 tank is a modern Russian main battle tank with an export value ranging from $2.5 to $4.3 million depending on the level of modernization. These attacks demonstrate the effectiveness of using FPV drones in countering Russian military assets. The SSO’s use of drones in targeting Russian equipment in the Donetsk region reflects the ongoing conflict between Ukrainian forces and troops loyal to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The SSO’s success in destroying Russian military equipment, including tanks and anti-aircraft missile gun complexes, highlights the resilience and capabilities of the Ukrainian military in the face of continued aggression from Russian forces. The use of drones in these attacks demonstrates the innovative tactics employed by Ukrainian forces in countering Russian incursions in the region. The ongoing conflict in the Donetsk region underscores the importance of international attention and support for Ukraine in defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity against Russian aggression.
