Ukraine Destroys $20M Russian “Palantin” EW System, Opening Skies for Drone Operations

Ukrainian forces have destroyed a rare Russian electronic warfare system known as “Palantin” during a drone strike operation in the Zaporizhzhia region.

According to statements published by Ukraine’s National Guard special unit Lasar’s Group on April 3, the system was identified and targeted during a coordinated operation involving aerial reconnaissance and strike drones. Footage of the strike was released by the unit on social media.

Lasar’s Group reported that drone crews initially detected a concentration of Russian air defense systems operating behind the line of contact within the area of responsibility of Ukraine’s 17th Army Corps. Further reconnaissance revealed that the systems were protected by a “Palantin” electronic warfare complex, which was designated as the primary target.

The unit coordinated with the 15th Separate Artillery Reconnaissance Brigade “Chornyi Lis,” which conducted additional reconnaissance to confirm the system’s location. Following this, National Guard operators deployed bomber drones to strike the target.

According to Lasar’s Group, the first strikes damaged the system, while subsequent munition drops resulted in its complete destruction. The unit stated: “The Russians are down $20 million, and we have more open skies for drones.”

The “Palantin” is a Russian operational-tactical electronic warfare system introduced into service in 2019. Mounted on a four-axle KamAZ chassis, it is designed to suppress radio communications and conduct electronic intelligence.

The system is capable of disrupting signals across ultra-high and shortwave frequencies, including navigation and cellular communications, and is specifically intended to counter unmanned aerial systems.

Earlier, Ukrainian forces carried out a coordinated drone strike on the Kirovske airfield in occupied Crimea, damaging high-value Russian assets, including an An-72P transport aircraft, a P-37 radar system, and several Orion reconnaissance drones, according to Ukrainian military officials.

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