By John Q. Hosedrinker 
On June 26, Ukraine’s military intelligence agency (HUR) reported that its “Ghosts” unit conducted a drone strike on air defense equipment in Russian-occupied Crimea. The attack purportedly damaged critical components of Russia’s S-400 Triumph air defense system, including radar units and a launcher. HUR stated that the radars are essential for the anti-aircraft system’s functionality, making them prime targets. This attack follows previous successful strikes on S-400 systems in Crimea and other regions, part of Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to target military and industrial infrastructure in occupied territories.
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Ukrainian drones strike Russian S-400 air defense system in occupied Crimea, HUR says. Well, this certainly isn’t a great advertisement for the Russian S-400, is it? It seems this vaunted air defense system, the pride of Russia’s defense industry, might need its own dedicated protection these days. And let’s be honest, taking out an S-400 has got to be a seriously expensive endeavor. Talk about a costly mission! The question now is, what exactly *was* the air defense doing during the attack? You have to wonder if the S-400 will be getting that “prime time” advertising spot after this particular incident.
Ukrainian drones strike Russian S-400 air defense system in occupied Crimea, HUR says. It’s hard not to cheer at the news – a clear “Slava Ukraini” moment. This kind of operation also highlights the cost-effectiveness of modern warfare. Considering the S-400 system itself is worth hundreds of millions, while the Ukrainian drones are likely much cheaper, the exchange is incredibly favorable. Did they target the radar, that big, square thing on top? Or did they hit the control booth, the truck packed with all the expensive electronics that translate what the radar sees? I’m all for this, of course, but we also have to acknowledge that Russia will be learning from these attacks and adapting.
Ukrainian drones strike Russian S-400 air defense system in occupied Crimea, HUR says. Even with the loss of so many advanced air defense systems, it’s important to remember that someone, somewhere, is going to figure out how to create an effective countermeasure or a combination of countermeasures to neutralize these drone attacks. It’s a constant game of cat and mouse. The fact is, Russia and, by extension, China, are probably going to gain a leg up on Western powers at some point, at least in terms of immediate tactical adaptation.
Ukrainian drones strike Russian S-400 air defense system in occupied Crimea, HUR says. My hope is that Ukraine ultimately comes out on top and becomes the premier power in the realm of drone warfare. And about that drone, the one that did the striking – is it even able to fly anymore? Probably not, I’d wager. It sounds like the S-400 did get a successful intercept, even if it was too late.
Ukrainian drones strike Russian S-400 air defense system in occupied Crimea, HUR says. It’s a reaction to what’s happening on the ground. The S-400 is designed for long-range intercepts against larger targets like jets and ballistic missiles, not necessarily for dealing with swarms of relatively small drones. Maybe it’s not the best tool for that particular job. It’s certainly not a good commercial for Russian air defense systems as a whole. It’s essential to protect those valuable, long-range air defenses with short-range systems and early warning radar. The fact that Russian-made air defense has taken quite a beating in both Ukraine and Iran by regular aircraft is a bigger problem for them. India must be pretty upset, considering the multi-billion dollar deal they made with the Russians for these systems. The best commercial was probably that video showing the S-400 desperately trying to defend itself from a HIMARS strike.
Ukrainian drones strike Russian S-400 air defense system in occupied Crimea, HUR says. These fiber optic drones (FPV) are incredibly cheap! Air defense is in need of a total rework at this point. We’re getting into almost sci-fi territory with the constant evolution of this technology. Now that the smoke’s cleared, it’s a new era of fear for the side that has been targeted.
Ukrainian drones strike Russian S-400 air defense system in occupied Crimea, HUR says. It’s a continuous cycle: one side develops a new weapon, the other develops a countermeasure, and so on. It’s a dance that began when man threw the first rock. The development of fiber optic drones is a direct reaction to the electronic jamming that both sides have been using against wireless drones. The West has also been taking notes and working on anti-drone technology. The UK, for example, had a successful test of a directed energy weapon not long ago.
Ukrainian drones strike Russian S-400 air defense system in occupied Crimea, HUR says. The current war will likely give both Ukraine and Russia an advantage in terms of tactics and the use of this technology. Ukraine has demonstrated that they can out-innovate the Russians. Russia can mass-produce Shaheeds and use them to overwhelm air defenses. But once Ukraine finds solutions, the ability to mass produce becomes less useful.
Ukrainian drones strike Russian S-400 air defense system in occupied Crimea, HUR says. The Pantsir system was supposedly designed to take down short-range, low-level threats like drones. It’s also worth noting the interoperability issues that Russia faces, a place where the US has a clear edge. The S-400 isn’t designed to counter drones, it’s meant to shoot down aircraft and missiles. They cost quite a bit, and that’s what happens when you tell a country with enough money to fight God that you’re catching up. The export price of these systems may well be affected.