Blackout hits Moscow Oblast during Ukrainian drone attack. Well, that’s certainly a headline that grabs your attention. It seems that during a recent Ukrainian drone attack, areas within the Moscow Oblast experienced a significant power outage. It’s hard not to feel a surge of…well, let’s just say mixed emotions, given the ongoing conflict. On one hand, it’s never good to see civilians suffer, but on the other…the sentiment towards Russia’s actions is clearly visible. The whole situation is incredibly complex.
Blackout hits Moscow Oblast during Ukrainian drone attack. The reports indicate that while the city of Moscow itself might have been spared the brunt of the attack, the surrounding region, the Moscow Oblast, took a hit.… Continue reading
Since the beginning of the year, Ukrainian forces have significantly degraded Russia’s air defenses, according to the Head of the Security Service of Ukraine, Vasyl Maliuk. A notable achievement includes the destruction of 48% of Russia’s Pantsir surface-to-air artillery and missile systems. These systems are particularly effective against long-range drones, making their neutralization a key priority. While Russia manufactures 30 Pantsir systems annually, the number destroyed by Ukraine exceeds this production rate.
Read More
On October 29-30, Russia launched a large-scale attack on Ukraine, employing 653 loitering munitions and 52 missiles of various types. The attacks targeted critical infrastructure, with launches originating from several locations in Russia and occupied Crimea. Ukrainian defense forces responded, destroying 623 aerial assets, including loitering munitions, cruise missiles, and air-to-surface missiles. While direct hits were recorded in 20 locations, with debris found in 19 oblasts, information is still being gathered on three missing missiles and their impact sites.
Read More
Reports indicate a significant drone attack on Moscow and surrounding areas, with Russian authorities claiming that 30 drones were targeting the capital. Explosions were reported across Moscow Oblast, including within Moscow itself, with eyewitness photos showing smoke in the village of Kommunarka. Operations were temporarily suspended at Domodedovo and Zhukovsky airports due to the attack. Subsequently, operations at both airports have resumed.
Read More
On October 26, Ukraine’s Land Forces announced the destruction of a Russian Buk-M3 anti-aircraft missile system, estimated to be worth $45 million. The Buk-M3, a key Russian air defense asset used to target various airborne, ground, and water-based threats, was struck by Ukraine’s “Black Forest” brigade at an undisclosed location. The Buk-M3, a medium-range surface-to-air missile system, has been upgraded over the years and is designed to track and engage multiple targets simultaneously. This reported strike follows previous successful Ukrainian attacks on Russian Buk systems, highlighting ongoing efforts to degrade Russia’s air defense capabilities.
Read More
According to Ukrainian Navy spokesperson Dmytro Pletenchuk, Russian air defenses mistakenly downed one of their own warplanes while attempting to intercept Ukrainian drones over Crimea on October 17. The incident occurred overnight during active efforts to repel Ukrainian attacks. Following these strikes, a significant fire erupted at a local oil depot in the region. Monitoring channels later identified the downed aircraft as likely being a Russian Su-30SM fighter jet, adding to the list of recent Russian air defense mishaps.
Read More
Rheinmetall announced a deal for Ukraine to receive Skyranger 35 short-range air-defense systems mounted on Leopard 1 chassis, funded by an EU member state using frozen Russian assets. The agreement, valued in the “hundreds of millions of euros,” will see production and integration handled in Italy. The Skyranger 35 features a 35 mm automatic cannon, with programmable airburst projectiles, and an effective range of approximately 4,000 meters. Equipped with advanced sensors, the system is designed to counter modern aerial threats, and serve as a modern alternative to the aging Flakpanzer Gepard.
Read More
In an effort to mend strained relations, President Vladimir Putin acknowledged that Russian air defenses were responsible for the downing of an Azerbaijani jetliner in December, resulting in 38 fatalities. The Russian missiles, targeting a Ukrainian drone, exploded near the Azerbaijani plane, causing the tragic incident. Putin addressed the situation at a meeting with Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev, pledging compensation and punishment for those accountable. The event, which occurred as relations between the two countries had already soured, was one of many that resulted in tension.
Read More
The Danish Ministry of Defense is reconsidering the Israeli air defense system Barak MX, manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries, due to recent drone incursions at Danish airports and military installations. This renewed interest stems from Barak MX’s “soft kill” option, which electronically neutralizes drones, and its quick availability. Although previously ruled out, the system is now back under consideration for procurement.
Read More
On Tuesday, September 30th, Special Operations Forces (SSO) successfully targeted and neutralized the radar station of Russia’s S-400 Triumph air defense system in occupied Crimea. The strike, described as a strategic blow, effectively disables the S-400’s combat capabilities as the radar is the “eyes” of the system. While the exact location and specific details of the strike were not disclosed, reports suggest it occurred in the Feodosia and Leninsky districts of Crimea. This attack marks another instance of Ukraine’s forces targeting and destroying high-value Russian assets, further hindering Russia’s ability to conduct military operations.
Read More
Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker