Ukrainian strikes decimate Russian air defense capabilities
The Ukrainians reported the destruction of the 1,001st unit of the Russian air defense system. Here's what the Russians have been losing most frequently.
The Russians have experienced equipment losses numbering in the thousands of units. According to Ukrainian reports, one of the most notable categories of these losses, surpassing 1,000 units, is Russian air defense systems.
It is important to note that these figures are based solely on Ukrainian data. However, considering the work of OSINT analysts from the group oryxspioenkop.com, the numbers provided by the Ukrainians may be credible. At present, exactly 456 complete systems or air defense elements have been verified through photos or videos. Not every destruction is captured on record; some recordings may never reach the internet.
Destruction of Buks — here's what the Russians have lost most frequently
Based on photographic or video evidence, the Russians have lost the most (104) elements of the Buk-M air defense system in various versions. This includes the Buk-M1-2 variants from the 1990s, the newer M2 from the early 2000s, and the M3, introduced in 2016. Launchers with missiles have been hit most frequently, but 12 target detection radars have also been destroyed.
These radars are particularly valuable, as one is typically assigned to an entire Buk battalion consisting of three launchers with fire-control radar and three without one. The latter must be connected to a unit equipped with its radar. It is worth noting that the detection radar is mounted on a mast and designed to detect objects 360 degrees, while the fire-control radars have a narrow field of view and guide the launched missiles.
These systems constitute the main air defense shield for the Russians in the frontline region. Depending on the version, Buks can engage targets at distances of up to approximately 25 miles or 43 miles and shoot down ballistic missiles at about 12 miles. Ukraine's systematic targeting of these systems has facilitated the use of larger drones and remnants of aviation on the front.
Destruction of Tors and Pantsirs-S1 — Russian scourge on drones and cruise missiles
Ukraine's second most frequently targeted system is the 9K330 Tor, available in M1 and M2 versions. These missile systems are designed to combat cruise missiles or drones at a maximum distance of about 10 miles and an altitude of up to 6 miles. The system's advantage is a large payload of 16 ready-to-launch missiles. Russia has lost at least 61 units of this system.
Following the Tors, the most frequently lost new systems were the 2K22M1 Tunguska and Pantsir-S1 (15 and 27 units, respectively). The Pantsir-S1 is particularly intriguing as it is one of Russia's newest and most advertised point-defense systems. 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, each capable of firing up to 2,500 rounds per minute, with a range of up to about 2.5 miles using various types of ammunition.
Additionally, the system contains an anti-aircraft missile launcher housing 12 57E6 or 57E6-E missiles. These are grouped into two sections of six each, allowing for simultaneous attacks on several targets. The missiles have a range of up to 12 miles and are radio-command guided, meaning they are fully dependent on the launcher until hitting the target. It is a formidable system but has encountered problems combating Polish drones like the Warmate and cruise missiles like the Storm Shadow.
Old systems and strategically significant air defense systems
Other losses include post-Soviet Strela-10 systems and 9K33 Osa, with confirmed losses of at least 49 and 28 units, respectively. Depending on the missile generation, the first system has a range of up to about 3 miles and the second up to about 9 miles.
The Russians have also lost elements of medium-range air defense systems like the S-300, S-350, and S-400, but these losses are limited and precious. These systems are almost a strategic resource, and losing any battery is painful for the Russians. Verified losses currently include at least 28 launchers and 10 radars.
These are massive losses for the Russians, leading to the collapse of the myth of Russian anti-access protection, which will require many years to rebuild. It is worth noting that systems of this type are produced much more slowly than tanks and require significantly more sophisticated electronics.
