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Ukrainian Drones Force Russia to Reinforce Their $24M “Zoopark-1” Radars With Scrap Defenses
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![Photo of Vlad Litnarovych]( "Photo of Vlad Litnarovych")
Russian forces have resorted to shielding one of their rare counter-battery radar systems—the Zoopark-1M—using makeshift defenses such as rubber sheets and metal grates in an apparent attempt to protect the system from Ukrainian FPV drones and other strike UAVs, according to Ukrainian military outlet Defense Express on April 22.
Footage showing the heavily modified radar emerged on social media and was linked to Russian sources. The improvised “armor” sparked questions about the effectiveness of such protection—and what it reveals about current battlefield conditions.
According to Oryx, an independent open-source intelligence group, Russia has lost at least eight Zoopark-1 (1L259) and 15 Zoopark-1M (1L260) counter-battery radar systems since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began.
On paper, the Zoopark-1M is a valuable battlefield asset, it is estimated worth $24 million. It can detect both Soviet-standard 152mm and NATO-standard 155mm artillery systems at ranges of up to 23 kilometers. That range also reveals a key vulnerability: these radar crews are often operating dangerously close to the front line.
The slapdash defenses—rubber mats and cage-like frames—appear more symbolic than truly effective. Defense Express suggests that these modifications are more about providing psychological comfort to crews than real protection against precision drone strikes.
In fact, the effort to shield such systems likely points to how aggressively Ukrainian drone operators are targeting specialized Russian equipment, including counter-battery radars like the Zoopark-1M.
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At the same time, the continued Russian use of these radars underscores Moscow’s determination to suppress Ukrainian artillery—reflecting the intensity of ongoing duels between gunners on both sides.
Earlier, Ukrainian Special Operations Forces released footage of the destruction of a Russian 1L219M “Zoopark-1” radar system.
The Russian military had attempted to hide the advanced artillery-locating radar system in a tree line, but Ukrainian aerial reconnaissance units successfully identified its position.
According to the unit, roughly five drones were used in the operation, resulting in sustained combustion and the total destruction of the radar.
