Ukrainian Navy Drones Strike Three Russian Air Defense Systems, Including Two Pantsir-S1, Video

The Ukrainian Navy targeted two Russian $15 million “Pantsir-S1” and OSA-AKM air defense systems in the Kherson region using FPV drones, according to the Commander of the Ukrainian Navy Oleksiy Neizhpapa on January 6.

Russian media reported that the drones were launched from Ukraine’s naval drones equipped with UAVs, first revealed by the Ukrainian Navy in December.

The systems were on active duty at a firing position, evidenced by its onboard radar operating at the rear of the vehicles.

Although it is unlikely that the drone’s impact immediately destroyed the systems, critical damage or a subsequent fire may have rendered them inoperable.

As the drone strikes specifically targeted the cabin housing the system’s operators. While the operator compartment of the “Pantsir-S1” is designed to protect against shrapnel and light firearms, it is vulnerable to cumulative munitions carried by FPV drones.

Notably, the systems did not react to the approaching drones, raising questions about the system’s effectiveness against small, low-profile UAVs like quadcopters.

Strikes on such high-value targets are rare, as most “Pantsir-S1” systems have been withdrawn from front-line positions to rear areas in occupied territories or within Russia, where they are tasked with protecting critical infrastructure.

Earlier, Ukraine’s Magura V5 maritime drone, equipped with R-73 missiles, destroyed two Russian Mi-8 helicopters and damaged a third near occupied Crimea on December 31, 2024.