MOSCOW REGION, RUSSIA – JUNE 25, 2019: A ZALA Lancet-3 attack drone developed by Kalashnikov Concern on display at the Army 2019 International Military Technical Forum at Patriot Park. Marina Lystseva/TASS
The Russian military has targeted yet another Soviet-made S-300PS long-range air defense system of Kiev forces in the Kherson region.
Videos that surfaced online on May 23 show Lancet loitering munitions targeting two 5P85S transporter erector launchers (TELs) of the system. The vehicles received direct hits, sustaining heavy damage.
The two TELs were targeted with the upgraded version of the Lancet, which is known as the Izdeliye-51. This version, which features extended wings, has an endurance of 40 minutes, an operational range of 40-70 kilometers and is armed with a warhead weighing three kilograms.
The loitering munition, which was developed by Russia’s ZALA Aero Group, flies towards the designated area with a GLONASS-aided inertial navigation system. After arriving in the area, the operator utilizes an onboard electro-optical system via a two-way data-link to detect, track and lock on the target. A laser-ranging system then controls the detonation of the warhead.
Prior to the start of the Russian special military operation last year, Ukraine had around 100 S-300P, S-300PT, S-300PS and S-300V1 batteries in service. In the first few months of the operation, the country received a single S-300PMU battery from Slovakia.
Many of Ukraine’s S-300 systems have been destroyed, or damaged by the Russian military since the start of the operation. The Lancet was responsible for most of the recent kills against the system.
The small radar cross-section and minimal infrared signature of the electric-powered loitering munition makes it suitable for use in suppression of enemy air defenses operations.
According to Lostarmour.info, a website that tracks and documents military losses, Lancet loitering munitions have destroyed or damaged at least 30 air defense systems of Kiev forces since the start of the Russian special military operation in Ukraine.
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