Partisan sabotage disrupts Russian air defense communications in Moscow region

According to the group, the target was a communications tower used as a command-and-control node for Russian air defense units.

The tower provided secure radio relay communications, enabling real-time transmission of data and orders between commanders and subordinate air defense units, Atesh said.

Partisans added that the structure also hosted electronic intelligence and signal interception equipment — a critical component for monitoring airspace and maintaining situational awareness in the region.

“Destroying this communications hub weakens Russia’s air defense potential in the central region,” the group said. “Disrupted coordination, command failures, and the loss of reconnaissance data make the entire system less effective and more vulnerable.”

The sabotage comes amid a series of drone attacks targeting Moscow and surrounding areas in early January.

On Jan. 4, nearly 200 flights were delayed at Moscow airports following drone activity, with several flights canceled.

A day earlier, drones also targeted the capital. Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin said Russian air defenses intercepted at least two dozen drones heading toward the city.

Russia’s Shot Telegram channel reported explosions in the Odintsovo and Domodedovo districts, while airports including Vnukovo and Zhukovsky temporarily suspended operations.