Loss of Radar Weakened Russia's Air Defense in Crimea

The Ukrainian military destroyed the Russian Yenisei radar station in Crimea. A military expert spoke about the technical features of this system and the difficulties of its restoration for Russia.

This was reported by Krym.Realii.

Recently, in the occupied Crimea, Ukrainian reconnaissance men hit a unique Russian radar station, which exists in very limited quantities. This 98L6 Yenisei radar is the latest multifunctional radar used as part of the S-500 Prometheus and possibly S-400 Triumph anti-aircraft missile systems. It has a high detection range of more than 600 km and is capable of accurately tracking airborne targets, including ballistic missiles, as well as guiding air defense missiles.

Military expert, former officer of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Anatoliy Khrapchynsky spoke about the features of the newest Russian radar station.

According to the expert, Yenisei is characterized by an active phased array antenna, high maneuverability, and rapid deployment. Due to the complexity and high cost of producing such radars, the Russian army has few of them, so the loss of such a system in Crimea is a significant blow to their air defense.

He noted that the Yenisei radar is part of Russia's most advanced S-500 system, designed to combat hypersonic weapons and medium- and long-range ballistic missiles. Although serial production of the S-500 began at the end of 2021, this system is already being actively used at training grounds and partially in Crimea.

In general, the expert emphasized, hitting the radar is a significant loss for the Russian military, as such radar systems are expensive and technologically complex, and their absence significantly reduces the effectiveness of the air defense system.

In early August, SBU attack drones attacked the Saki military airfield in Crimea, hitting an aviation weapons depot. The strike completely destroyed one Su-30SM aircraft and damaged another.

In July, a ship was found near Kilen Bay with damage after a missile strike by the Ukrainian Defense Forces. The occupiers tried to hide the destruction on the upper deck with a net. According to the rebels, at the time of the attack, the ship was at the 13th ship repair plant. And in early June, the SBU blew up the Crimean Bridge for the third time, damaging the underwater supports at the bottom level. The explosion led to the bridge's emergency condition, the agency said.

Анна Літман