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Ukrainian Drones Target Rare $24M Russian Zoopark-1M Radar System, Video
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Ukrainian forces from the artillery reconnaissance brigade “Chornyi Lis” have identified and targeted a Russian Zoopark-1M radar system using drones, according to a video released by the unit on X on April 5.
The radar system was located in a forested area, though the exact time and location of the strike were not disclosed. After detecting the target, Ukrainian forces directed drones to carry out the attack.
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The initial strike did not fully disable the Zoopark-1M system, prompting a follow-up attack. A bomber drone operated by the National Guard unit Lazar’s Group was subsequently deployed to strike the system again.
The estimated value of the Zoopark-1M radar system is approximately $24 million.
“Zoopark is not only an expensive but also a rare and powerful counter-battery system, so its loss is a significant blow to Russia’s capabilities,” the unit wrote.
Бійці "Чорного лісу" знайшли та підбили рідкісну РЛС «Зоопарк-1М», а побратими з Lasar’s Group — добили🤙Орієнтовна вартість станції $24 млн
— Бригада «Чорний ліс» (@15obrar) April 5, 2026
«Зоопарк» — це не лише дорога, але й рідкісна і потужна система контрбатарейної боротьби, тож її втрата — сильний удар по спроможностях РФ pic.twitter.com/pRQ4FgtaoZ
The strike comes as Russian forces have increasingly attempted to protect their remaining Zoopark-1M systems with improvised defenses, reflecting the growing pressure on these high-value assets.
According to Ukrainian outlet Defense Express, Russian units have been seen covering the radar systems with makeshift materials such as rubber sheets and metal grates in an effort to shield them from Ukrainian FPV drones and other strike UAVs.
Footage circulating on social media, reportedly linked to Russian sources, shows the modified systems equipped with this improvised “armor,” raising questions about both its effectiveness and the broader challenges faced by Russian forces on the battlefield.
Open-source intelligence group Oryx estimated that, as of April 2025, Russia has already lost at least eight Zoopark-1 and 15 Zoopark-1M counter-battery radar systems since the start of the full-scale invasion.
What is Zoopark-1M
The Zoopark-1M (1L260) is a highly advanced Russian mobile radar system used for counter-battery operations. It is designed to detect incoming artillery, mortar, and rocket fire by calculating launch trajectories and providing precise coordinates for retaliatory strikes. The system can also track friendly fire to help adjust targeting. It is mounted on a tracked MT-LB chassis, allowing it to operate in a range of battlefield conditions.
The radar has a detection range of up to 23 kilometers for 152/155 mm artillery systems and up to 45 kilometers for rocket launchers. It is capable of identifying up to 70 targets and tracking several simultaneously in real time. Its versatility allows it to monitor multiple types of fire, including mortars, artillery systems, rocket launchers, and tactical missiles.
Due to its capabilities and limited numbers, the Zoopark-1M is considered a high-value asset, with an estimated cost of approximately $24–25 million per unit.
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