An attack drone from Ukraine’s 1st Separate Center of Unmanned Systems Forces struck a launcher from the S-300VM Antey-2500 air defense system near Mariupol.
The operation was reported by a Telegram channel, which published footage recorded by the military personnel involved in the strike.
According to the post, the attack took place on the night of February 17. The video shows the moment the drone identifies a self-propelled launcher and advances toward it, keeping the target under surveillance until the final phase of the strike.
In the final seconds, the operator guides the drone directly into the missile transport and launch containers mounted on the system’s vehicle. Specialists note that the detonation or ignition of surface-to-air missiles on this type of platform typically results in the total destruction of the launcher, although there has been no official confirmation regarding the extent of the damage.
The S-300V, the modernized version that led to the S-300VM, was developed in the former Soviet Union to protect strategic targets against ballistic and aerodynamic aerial threats. In recent months, components of this system — including radars and launchers positioned in occupied areas — have frequently been targeted by Ukrainian forces.
❗️The unit of the 🇺🇦1st Center of Unmanned Systems Forces (formerly the 14th Regiment) reported that last night they destroyed a 🇷🇺Russian S-300VM air defense system near Mariupol. pic.twitter.com/UBnA2Bi1Wf
— 🪖MilitaryNewsUA🇺🇦 (@front_ukrainian) February 17, 2026
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Source: Militarnyi | Photo: X @front_ukrainian | This content was created with the assistance of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
