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Ukraine Reveals S-200 System Linked to Downed Russian Tu-22M3 Strategic Bomber and A-50 AWACS

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Ivan Khomenko
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Ukraine Reveals S-200 System Linked to Downed Russian Tu-22M3 Strategic Bomber and A-50 AWACS
A Soviet-era S-200 missile prepared for launch from a fixed 5P72V platform. (Source: HUR / Defense Intelligence of Ukraine)

Ukraine has released new footage showing the launch of a Soviet-designed S-200 surface-to-air missile system, highlighting its role in past long-range strikes. The system is reportedly linked to the downing of two high-value Russian aircraft: the Tu-22M3 strategic bomber and the A-50 airborne early warning and control aircraft (AWACS).

According to Defense Express on May 13, the release of footage by Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence (HUR) marks the first detailed confirmation of the S-200’s operational use. The video shows the launch of a 5V28 missile from a fixed 5P72V launch platform, not from a mobile launcher as previously speculated.

The A-50 was reportedly downed in early 2024, and on April 19, 2024, Ukraine struck the Tu-22M3 at a distance of 308 kilometers—a record for a surface-to-air engagement of this kind. The use of the S-200 system in both cases had been suspected but not officially confirmed until now.

Russia had repeatedly claimed that Ukraine had adapted S-200 missiles for ground strikes. The modified 5V28 missiles, measuring 10.8 meters in length and weighing 7.1 tons, are equipped with 220-kilogram fragmentation warheads and, when used against surface targets, function effectively as ballistic missiles.

For example, on August 19, 2023, Russia’s Ministry of Defense accused Ukraine of using an S-200 missile in a nighttime strike on occupied Crimea. Ukrainian officials did not comment on the allegation.

The missile’s range can exceed 300 kilometers, making it a significant long-range strike asset when repurposed.

The new footage also shows that multiple launches were conducted from the same static site, as indicated by visible blast patterns on the ground.

This suggests repeated use of fixed launch positions, which carry high operational risks due to limited mobility and vulnerability to counterattacks, Defense Express reports.

Fueling procedures captured in the video highlight the hazardous nature of the S-200 system, requiring personnel to wear chemical protection suits due to the missile’s toxic liquid propellant.

While the missile’s external appearance has not changed, its internal electronics are believed to have been modernized, though the full extent of the upgrades remains classified.

A Soviet-era S-200 missile launched from a fixed 5P72V platform during a Ukrainian operation (Source: HUR / Defense Intelligence of Ukraine)
A Soviet-era S-200 missile launched from a fixed 5P72V platform during a Ukrainian operation (Source: HUR / Defense Intelligence of Ukraine)

Analysts suggest Ukraine may have integrated alternative radar illuminators or replaced the missile’s original semi-active seeker with an active or passive homing system. A newly revealed launch control panel includes a button marked “ГСН заор.” — potentially indicating updated guidance capabilities, though the exact function is still under analysis.

Earlier, Ukraine unveiled the “Bars” missile drone—a domestically developed, medium-range weapon capable of striking targets up to 800 kilometers inside Russia. Comparable to the “Peklo” cruise missile, Bars is part of a new class of scalable, jet-powered drone-missiles designed for precision long-range attacks, with production fully based in Ukraine.

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