Ukraine Claims Drone Strike Destroyed Russia’s Advanced S-500 Radar In Crimea, Major Setback Puts India On Alert

International News: Ukraine's defense intelligence agency says its drone successfully targeted the radar of Russia's state-of-the-art S-500 air defense system in Crimea. Initial reports said it was an attack on the S-400's 96L6 radar, but open-source investigators say it was a radar coded 98L6. Ukraine has made such claims several times since the war began, which were later questioned.

The 98L6 radar was inducted into the Russian army in 2020-21. It is equipped with multi-element AESA technology, which can detect targets up to 600 kilometers and up to 100 kilometers altitude. Its 360-degree surveillance and ballistic target tracking capability make it extremely dangerous. Russia deployed it in Crimea, where it was used jointly with the S-400.

Accuracy of the attack on Crimea

The Cyberboroshno agency analyzed the video of the attack to identify whether the target was part of the S-400 or the S-500. If the claim is true, it is a serious blow to Russia's air defenses. Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014, has always been a target of Ukraine.

Concern for India

Russia has also offered the S-500 system to India. India already uses the S-400, which shot down a Pakistani surveillance plane from a distance of 314 kilometers in the Indo-Pak war. The S-500 is even more advanced, capable of shooting down intercontinental ballistic missiles and low-orbit satellites.

Ukraine's war strategy

Ukraine is constantly targeting Russia's high-value military assets using drones and precision strike weapons. This time the claim may be an attempt to create not only technical but also psychological pressure. Propaganda is also being used as a weapon on the battlefield.

Russia's silence and vigilance

The Russian Defense Ministry has not confirmed the attack. However, Russian media say that air defenses in Crimea have recently been strengthened. Experts believe that Russia does not want to expose its technical weakness by confirming the incident.

Shadow on Russia-India defense deal

If this attack is true, it will be a major setback for Russia's defense structure and may also become a matter of concern for potential buyers like India. In the coming times, it will be interesting to see what changes Russia makes in its security strategy and what stance India takes on the S-500 deal.