Ukrainian Drones Wipe Out Russian S-300V Air Defense System, Video

Ukrainian forces destroyed a Russian S-300V air defense and missile defense launcher in Zaporizhzhia region, Ukrainian military media Militarny reported on February 25.

The system was struck deep behind enemy lines overnight, using a drone—likely a bomber UAV—to drop one or more munitions on the launcher, though the exact type of drone was not disclosed.

After the strike, Ukrainian operators captured footage of the burning Russian system, confirming the direct hit and severe fire damage on occupied territory.

Footage shows intense flames on the launcher, with Russian personnel seen moving around the site. The S-300V system is likely beyond repair.

The S-300V is a tracked, self-propelled surface-to-air missile system first introduced in 1983.

It was designed to protect critical military and industrial sites, as well as Russian forces, from aerial threats and ballistic missiles. The system employs two types of missiles for intercepting various targets.

All components of the S-300V are mounted on a tracked chassis, making them highly mobile.

Earlier, Ukraine’s Armed Forces struck and destroyed a Russian Buk-M3 air defense system.

The Buk-M3’s estimated cost is between $45 million, making its destruction a major financial and strategic loss for Russian forces.