Ukraine strikes rare Russian Zhitel EW system in Zaporizhzhia Oblast

This is a rare Russian electronic warfare station designed to intercept and suppress communication channels of drones and other aircraft at a range of up to 25 kilometers, as well as control channels at distances of up to 50 kilometers.

They said the target was detected and struck near the village of Balochky in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, about 30 kilometers from the front line, and the strike on the antenna effectively disabled the entire system.

The Unmanned Systems Forces said the cost of such a system is about $10 million.

“Even the temporary disabling of each such station is a serious problem for the enemy, as restoration requires complex electronics and can take at least several months,” the statement said.

It also noted that disabling the station expands the capabilities of Ukraine’s Defense Forces to use drones and conduct operations deep in the rear of Russian forces.

Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces reported on the night of March 6 that they struck four Russian air defense systems — Buk, S-300V, Pantsir and Tor — in occupied parts of Zaporizhzhia and Kherson oblasts.