Ukrainian Intelligence Destroys Russian Air Defense Network in Crimea, Strikes Cutting-Edge Radar

Ukrainian military intelligence units continue to dismantle Russian air defense capabilities in occupied Crimea, targeting high-value systems and naval assets in a series of precision strikes earlier this month, Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence (HUR) reported on March 18.

According to the agency, operators from the special unit known as the “Prymary” carried out multiple successful raids during the first two weeks of March, focusing on weakening Russia’s ability to detect and counter aerial threats on the peninsula.

During one of the operations, Ukrainian forces struck a Valdai radar system, one of Russia’s newer platforms designed specifically to detect and counter small unmanned aerial vehicles. The system is considered a key component in defending against drone attacks.

In addition to the radar, the unit reportedly disabled several other critical systems, including an electronic warfare station, a relay node used to support “Geran”-type drones, and a component of Russia’s GLONASS satellite navigation network.

The strikes also extended to maritime targets. Ukrainian operators tracked and hit two Project 02510 BK-16 high-speed assault boats while they were on the move, destroying the vessels along with their crews.

Earlier, a Russian official admitted that Russia is too massive to fully defend against Ukrainian drone strikes. State Duma  Deputy Andrei Gurulyov told local media that the Russian military lacks the air defense forces needed to create a continuous protective shield against the deep-strike campaign.

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