Drone operation reportedly damaged a launch platform and the 96L6 radar, a component responsible for expanding the detection capability of Russian air defenses
Ukraine’s military intelligence claimed it struck two components of a Russian S-400 Triumf air defense system deployed in Crimea. The operation reportedly took place during the night of July 25 to 26 and involved operators from the Department of Unmanned Systems.
According to the Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense, known by the acronym GUR, the drones reached a launch platform and a 96L6 radar station. Images released by the agency show attacks against equipment on the ground, followed by fires.
The exact location of the position was not disclosed. No details were released about the type of drone used, the distance traveled, or the number of aircraft involved in the operation.
So far, Russian authorities have not provided a detailed public assessment of the incident. As a result, it is not possible to independently confirm whether the equipment was completely destroyed or whether it can be recovered.
The drones Russia's S-400 was built to shoot down torched two of its parts
The S-400 SAM system is designed to knock aircraft and missiles out of the sky from up to 400 km away. Overnight on 25–26 July, that didn't save the launcher and radar sitting in occupied Crimea, when… pic.twitter.com/lyPmnWWAMj
— Euromaidan Press (@EuromaidanPress) July 27, 2026
Radar is an important part of the S-400 architecture
The 96L6 is a mobile three-dimensional surveillance radar used to locate targets at different altitude ranges. Within the S-400 architecture, its main function is to expand the unit’s situational awareness and provide information to other components responsible for tracking and intercepting targets.
The equipment can help identify aircraft, drones, and other threats flying at low, medium, or high altitudes. After detecting an object, the radar transmits its coordinates to the control systems and to the multifunction radar responsible for guiding the missiles.
For this reason, the loss of a 96L6 can temporarily reduce the coverage and response capability of a battery. This does not necessarily mean that the entire S-400 system has been neutralized, as radars from other units can share information and some components can be replaced or repositioned.
What is the S-400 Triumf?
Developed by the Russian defense industry, the S-400 is a mobile medium- and long-range air defense system. It was designed to operate against aircraft, drones, cruise missiles, and certain types of ballistic missiles.
A complete unit is not made up of just one vehicle. The system can include a command post, search and control radars, launch platforms, support vehicles, and different models of interceptor missiles.
According to information released by Russian state-owned exporter Rosoboronexport, the configuration intended for the international market can engage aerodynamic targets at distances of up to 380 kilometers and certain ballistic targets at up to 60 kilometers. The effective range varies depending on the missile used, the altitude, the trajectory, and the characteristics of the target.
Crimea hosts important military installations
Crimea is home to air bases, radars, command centers, and air defense positions used by Russian forces. Since the beginning of the full-scale conflict, Ukraine has carried out operations against this infrastructure using missiles and unmanned systems.
Attacks against radars and launchers are intended to create gaps in air defense coverage, make the early detection of drones more difficult, and increase pressure on the units responsible for protecting military installations.
In the latest case, however, the true extent of the impact will depend on the condition of the equipment that was hit and Russia’s ability to replace or redistribute the battery’s components.
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Source and images: Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense | Militarnyi | Wikimedia | Rosoboronexport. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
