U.S. Switchblade Drone Takes Out $25 Million Russian Tor-M2 Air Defense Unit, Video

A Russian Tor-M2 air defense system, valued at $25 million, was destroyed by Ukrainian forces in a coordinated strike using a U.S.-supplied Switchblade loitering munition in cooperation with the 413th Separate Raid Drone Battalion, the “Shadow” unit reported on February 18.

The Shadow unit first detected the Tor-M2 system in a combat position with its radar actively scanning the battlefield. Once identified, its coordinates were relayed to Ukraine’s 413th Separate Raid Drone Battalion, which then executed the precision strike using a Switchblade drone.

Upon impact, the system’s radar immediately ceased operation, and the crew attempted to relocate the vehicle.

The Tor-M2 has become a primary target for Ukraine’s drone operators and artillery forces, with more than 65 units destroyed to date. Its frequent deployment is attributed to its mobility, rapid response capabilities, and vertical missile launch system.

Depending on the variant, the system is equipped with either eight 9M331 missiles (Tor-M1) or sixteen 9M338K missiles (Tor-M2). It can autonomously detect and engage air targets at distances of up to 16 kilometers and altitudes of up to 10 kilometers.

Earlier, Ukrainian drone operators destroyed a North Korean M-1978 “Koksan” self-propelled artillery system in combat.