Operation Tactics: Ukrainian Intelligence Strikes Back
Russian air defense systems in Zaporozhye damaged by Ukrainian drone attacks
A spectacular move by Ukrainian intelligence in mid-June 2025 has dealt a humbling blow to costly Russian air defense systems in the temporarily held Zaporizhzhia region. As disclosed by the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, their specialists have Infiltrated, eliminated expensive air defense systems belonging to Russian occupiers in the disputed region. Here's the lowdown on this audacious operation:
Keyplayers and Casualties
- Pantsir-S1 Air Defense System: Footage confirms a Ukrainian drone skillfully dodging anti-aircraft fire from a Pantsir-S1 system, before accurately striking its combat module. This attack is likely toMake It Inoperable without substantial repairs[1][2][4].
- Buk-M3 Surface-to-Air Missile System: The radar section of a Buk-M3 launcher was validated hit, incapacitating its primary detection capabilities.[1][2][4]
- Although an attempt was made to obliterate the 9S19 "Imbir" Radar of the S-300V System, available footage indicates that the drone missed its target[1][2][4].
The Overall Cost
- This operation is estimated to have resulted in approximately $70 million in damage to Russian air defense capabilities[1][4].
- This strike forms part of a comprehensive campaign by Ukraine to dismantle Russian air defense infrastructure using precision, low-cost unmanned systems.
- The offensive demonstrates increasing strategic ingenuity and intelligence cooperation among Ukrainian forces. Since early 2024, they have reportedly been undermining Russian air defense systems with multiple drone strikes[4].
A Pattern Emerges
Ukrainian forces have a history of striking military targets in Russian-occupied territories and deep within Russia, the aim being to diminish Moscow's fighting power. Notably, on June 1, Ukraine initiated a significant drone attack on four major Russian military airfields, causing damage to 41 planes, including heavy bombers and elusive A-50 spy planes[2].
- The audacious operation orchestrated by Ukrainian intelligence in mid-June 2025, as seen in Operation Tactics, involved targeted strikes on various war-and-conflicts related military hardware such as Pantsir-S1 Air Defense Systems and Buk-M3 Surface-to-Air Missile Systems, highlighting the significance of politics in general-news discussions.
- The comprehensive campaign by Ukraine to dismantle Russian air defense infrastructure, as mentioned in the article, is not only a tactical maneuver for the ongoing war-and-conflicts but also a political statement, signifying the escalating tensions and ongoing power struggles, thereby falling under the broad category of general-news.
