Ukrainain Strike Destroys Rare Radar From Russian S-500 Air Defence System

A Ukrainian drone attack has reported destroyed a rare Russian 98L6 Yenisei air defence radar associated with the S-500 long range air defence system, according to local sources. “Yesterday’s video from the GUR drew our attention to the destruction of a 96L6 radar from the S-400 system—except it wasn’t a 96L6,” analysts at the pro-Ukrainain intelligence analysts site CyberBoroshno reported. “We analysed the visual features of the target and can say that this is the latest 98L6 ‘Yenisei’ radar, which is the standard radar for the S-500 ‘Prometey’ system,” the assessment concluded. If confirmed, this would represent the first known combat engagement involving the S-500 system. The 98L6is considered one of the most sophisticated mobile air defence radar systems in the world, and can reportedly detect and track aircraft and ballistic missiles at ranges of up to 600 kilometres and at altitudes up to 100 kilometres, allowing the S-500 system to make use of its particularly long surface-to-air engagement range.

The S-500 first entered service in 2021, over half a decade behind schedule, and stands out for its unrivalled 600 kilometre engagement range and its ability to shoot down low flying satellites, intercontinental range ballistic missiles, and space aircraft. The system was deployed in the Arctic in December 2021, before being stationed in Kerch City in June 2024 to strengthen nearby defences against Ukrainain ballistic missiles using U.S.-supplied ATACMS. The $4 billion Kerch Strait bridge linking the disputed Donbas regions to the Crimean Peninsula was considered a priority target to defend at the time, with multiple Ukrainain attacks having targeted it. The he Russian Aerospace Forces formed their first full regiment equipped with S-500s only in December 2024, with production rates being lower than expected. The scarcity of the systems at a time of high tensions between Russia and NATO makes the destruction of its key components such as the 98L6 radar particular damaging. The testing of the new radar system in an active war zone was previously expected to provide invaluable feedback on its capabilities.