On Sunday, Ukrainian forces successfully took out a Russian “Strela-10” Arrow air defense system in a drone attack, as reported by Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR). The attack was captured on video and shared to Telegram, showing the moment the first-person-view drones struck the defense system, causing it to go up in smoke. This attack coincided with Russia’s Air Defense Forces Day, with HUR celebrating the successful neutralization of the Russian system. The Strela-10 is a Soviet-era surface-to-air missile system, with 44 systems reported destroyed or captured by Ukraine since the start of the war.
In a separate incident, Ukrainian troops shot down enemy drones using a ZU-23-2 Soviet 23-mm twin anti-aircraft gun in an undisclosed location in Ukraine. Kyiv’s forces also reported taking out another Moscow air defense system over the weekend. Additionally, Kyiv’s Special Operation Forces (SSO) reported taking out one of Russia’s T-90 tanks along the Donetsk front. Video footage shared to SSO’s Telegram page showed the tank being tracked and attacked with an FPV drone, causing it to burst into flames and Russian soldiers to move to another armored vehicle.
It should be noted that Newsweek was unable to independently confirm these reports, and an email was sent to Russia’s Ministry of Defense for comment. These incidents come at a time when Russia has been holding the momentum along the front lines against Ukraine for much of the year. Geolocated footage reviewed by the Institute for the Study of War showed that Moscow pushed the point of conflict deeper into Ukrainian territory in the Donetsk region as of Sunday.
The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia has seen continued military engagements and advancements from both sides, with drone attacks, tank destructions, and air defense system neutralizations being reported. The use of FPV drones and anti-aircraft guns by Ukrainian forces demonstrates their capability to effectively counter Russian military equipment. However, with Russia holding the momentum along the front lines, Ukraine continues to face significant challenges in defending its territory and pushing back against Russian advancements.
The success of Ukrainian forces in targeting Russian military equipment highlights their strategic use of advanced technology and tactics in combat. By utilizing drones and anti-aircraft guns effectively, Ukrainian troops have been able to neutralize Russian systems and vehicles, disrupting enemy operations and causing losses to Russian forces. These engagements also showcase the resourcefulness and resilience of Ukrainian troops in the face of a more powerful adversary, demonstrating their determination to defend their country and repel Russian aggression.
As the conflict continues to evolve, it is crucial to closely monitor the developments and engagements between Ukrainian and Russian forces. The ongoing military engagements, advancements, and successful attacks by Ukrainian forces against Russian equipment highlight the complexities and challenges of the conflict. With both sides actively engaged in combat operations, the situation remains fluid and unpredictable, with the potential for further escalations and confrontations in the future.
