Ukraine confirms strike on rare Russian S-500 radar in occupied Crimea

The radar, which forms a key part of the S-500 Prometey air defense complex, was targeted during a Ukrainian special operation, the Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine’s Defense Ministry (HUR) reported on Aug. 8.

The 98L6 Yenisei, a rare and high-value asset, can also be used in conjunction with other Russian air defense systems, such as the S-400 Triumf.

"The destruction of the Yenisei is a significant blow to the air defense capabilities of the Russian invaders in temporarily occupied Crimea," Ukrainian intelligence said in a statement.

On Aug. 7, HUR also released video footage showing successful strikes on several Russian military targets in Crimea, including a Project 02510 BK-16 landing craft, multiple radar installations, and an air defense base.

Confirmed targets destroyed in the strike include:

• Project 02510 BK-16 landing craft

• Nebo-SVU radar system

• Podlet K-1 low-altitude radar

• 96L6E radar system

Project 02510 BK-16 landing craft

Nebo-SVU radar system

Podlet K-1 low-altitude radar

96L6E radar system

Following these strikes, Russian forces began concealing their air defense assets in dome-shaped shelters. One such structure, located on Mount Ai-Petri, housed the air defense base of Russia’s 3rd Radio-Technical Regiment (military unit No. 85683-A), and was also hit, according to HUR.

The specific dates of the Ukrainian strikes in Crimea were not disclosed.

On Aug. 2, multiple explosions were reported across Crimea, including in Feodosia and other locations. The occupying authorities responded by closing the Kerch Bridge for five hours.