Ukraine’s strike on rare Russian S-350 puts pressure on Moscow’s defenses

Defense Express reported the information.

A video surfaced on social media showing the 15th Chornyi Lis Artillery Reconnaissance Brigade striking a rare Russian S-350 air defense system. The footage suggests the event took place in the summer or early autumn of last year, as indicated by the greenery in the background.

This attack was initially perceived as the first documented destruction of a Russian S-350, valued at approximately $135 million. However, it was not the first confirmed loss of this system. In December 2023, Ukraine's National Guard forces eliminated an S-350 launcher using an FPV drone, and in February 2024, another was lost when it detonated a mine — reportedly the first such incident globally. Thus, the recent footage marks at least the third confirmed S-350 loss in the ongoing war.

According to The Military Balance 2024, the Russian military possessed only six S-350 launchers at the beginning of the previous year. Given its rarity, deploying such an advanced system near the front lines is notable. Previously, Russia positioned an S-350 to defend an airfield in Taganrog in 2022 and later used one to protect Vladimir Putin during the 2023 St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. This makes its presence in active combat zones even more surprising.

One possible explanation is a shortage of air defense systems. However, a more complex scenario could be at play. Russia appears to have established a layered missile defense network in frontline areas to counter Ukrainian aviation and long-range drones. Nevertheless, the effectiveness of this strategy remains inconsistent.

For reference, the S-350 is capable of simultaneously engaging up to eight targets. Its range extends to 60 kilometers for aerodynamic threats and 30 kilometers for ballistic missiles. A full division consists of 12 launchers, each capable of carrying 12 surface-to-air missiles.