Ukrainian forces dismantle Russian air defence, exposing weaknesses
The Ukrainians reported the destruction of the 1,001st unit of the Russian air defence system. Here is what the Russians were losing most frequently.
As reported by Wirtualna Polska journalist Mateusz Tomczak, the Russians have suffered equipment losses numbering in the thousands of units. According to Ukrainians, one of the most notable categories of losses, reaching 1,000 units, is the Russian air defence systems.
It is important to note that these are only Ukrainian data, but considering the work of OSINT analysts from the group oryxspioenkop.com, the number presented by Ukrainians may be plausible. Currently, exactly 456 complete systems or air defence elements have been verified through photos or videos, and not every destruction is captured on recording or photos. Moreover, some recordings may never have reached the internet.
Destruction of Buks — here's what the Russians hit most frequently
Based on photo or video materials, the Russians lost the most (104) elements of the Buk-M air defence system in various versions. This includes both the Buk-M1-2 variants from the 1990s, the newer M2 (early 2000s), and the M3 introduced to service in 2016. Launchers with missiles were hit most frequently, but 12 target detection radars were also destroyed.
These are particularly valuable, as usually, one is assigned to an entire Buk battalion consisting of three launchers with fire-control radar and three launchers without it. The latter must be connected to a unit equipped with its own radar. It is worth noting that the detection radar is mounted on a mast and is meant to detect objects in 360 degrees, while the fire-control radars have a narrow field of view and serve to guide the launched missiles.
These systems constitute the main air defence shield for the Russians in the frontline region. Depending on the version, Buks can engage targets at distances of up to approximately 40 kilometres or 70 kilometres and also can shoot down ballistic missiles at distances of about 20 kilometres. Ukraine's systematic targeting of these systems has facilitated the use of larger drones and remnants of aviation at the front.
Destruction of Tors and Pancyrs-S1 — Russian scourge on drones and cruise missiles
Ukraine's second most frequently targeted systems are the 9K330 Tor sets, also in M1 and M2 versions. These missile systems are designed to hunt down cruise missiles or drones at a distance of up to about 16 kilometres and an altitude of up to 10 kilometres. Their advantage is a large payload of 16 ready-to-launch missiles. Russia has lost at least 61 units of this system.
After the Tors, the most frequently lost new systems were the 2K22M1 Tunguska and Pantsir-S1 (15 and 27 units, respectively). The second type is particularly interesting as it is one of the newest and most publicised by Russia as a point-defence system. It is deployed, among other places, on towers around Moscow and has been seen near Vladimir Putin's residence in Sochi.
The Pantsir-S1's armament includes two automatic 2A38M 30 mm cannons, characterised by a rate of fire of up to 2,500 rounds per minute each, with a range of up to about 4 kilometres using various types of ammunition.
Additionally, the system contains an anti-aircraft missile launcher housing 12 57E6 or 57E6-E missiles. They are grouped into two sections of six each, allowing for simultaneous attacks on several targets. The missiles have a range of up to 20 kilometres and are radio-command guided, which means they are fully dependent on the launcher until hitting the target. It is a formidable system but has had difficulties countering Polish drones such as Warmate or cruise missiles like Storm Shadow.
Old systems and strategically significant air defence systems
Other losses include post-Soviet Strela-10 systems or 9K33 Osa, with confirmed losses of at least 49 and 28 units, respectively. The first system is characterised by a range of up to about 5 kilometres, and the second up to about 15 kilometres or 10 kilometres, depending on the missile generation.
The Russians also lost elements of medium-range air defence systems S-300, S-350, and S-400, but they are very few and precious. They are almost a strategic resource, and losing any battery is very painful for the Russians. Verified losses currently include at least 28 launchers and 10 radars.
These are massive losses for the Russians, resulting in the myth of the Russian anti-access bubble collapsing and rebuilding it will take them many years. It is worth noting that systems of this type are produced much more slowly than tanks and require far more sophisticated electronics.
