Ukrainian Forces Successfully Neutralize Russian S-400 Battery with Precise HIMARS Strike

A recent military operation carried out by Ukraine resulted in the successful destruction of a Russian S-400 missile system, as confirmed by the Ukrainian military through shared images on social media. The pictures depict severe damage inflicted upon the 5P85SM2-1 Transporter Erector Launcher (TEL) and 92N6A radars. Additionally, reports indicate the destruction of a KamAZ truck and the loss of personnel. According to sources cited by Militarnyi, Russian system operators acknowledged that an accurate strike from the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) Multiple Launch Rocket (MLR) played a crucial role in the operation.

The 92N6E radar, a highly advanced multi-function 3-D active electronically scanned array station, was a significant target in this engagement. It possesses the capability to detect and track up to 100 targets within a range of 400 kilometers and an altitude of 30 kilometers. This radar station is integral to the overall functionality of the battery, which typically comprises three to six launchers. It fulfills essential tasks such as the identification and tracking of aerial targets, as well as facilitating the lock-on and targeting of anti-aircraft missiles.

The destruction of the 92N6E radar constitutes a pivotal moment in this operation, effectively incapacitating the entire battery. Furthermore, the strike resulted in the destruction of the 5P85SM2-1 TEL, mounted on the MZKT-543M truck chassis. This vehicle houses four transport and firing boxes containing anti-aircraft missiles, which are automatically controlled and launched from the command post vehicle. The same situation applies to the 92N6A radar, which was struck while its radar was folded. It is presumed that the system was intercepted during the deployment phase at the firing position.