Russia bolsters Crimean Bridge security with additional air defense systems
Photo: Crimean Bridge (Getty Images)
The Russian army is strengthening the defense of the Crimean Bridge, which connects occupied Crimea with Russia, by installing additional towers equipped with air defense systems, reports the Center of Journalistic Investigations.
"The first detected towers consist of two parts: the inner part is a transformer tower with stairs, and the outer part is a metal frame that stabilizes and supports the entire structure. At the top, a combat module of the Pantsir-S1M air defense missile and gun system is mounted," journalists noted.
A photo taken in late November 2024 shows the inner section of a tower installed approximately at the 10th span, counting from the bridge arch. Previously, the Center of Journalistic Investigations identified 30 similar transformer towers at a construction site near the bridge on the Kerch side.
The first two towers with Pantsir-S1M systems were discovered in late September 2024 on both sides of the viaduct on Tuzla Island, and they likely appeared there in mid-September of the same year, according to the Center.
The Center noted that while the first two structures were installed on the shores of the island, the third one is likely based on parallel lattice bridges that the occupiers have been building for six months on both sides. These bridges serve both as anti-drone protection for the supports and as platforms for mounting towers with Russian air defense systems.
According to tactical and technical characteristics, the Pantsir-S1 system can destroy targets at altitudes of up to 15 km and within a 20 km radius. However, these systems can operate in groups, expanding the protected zone. Each new tower increases the chances of the Crimean Bridge avoiding damage from Ukrainian missile and drone attacks.
Crimean Bridge
The Crimean Bridge is an illegally constructed crossing built after the temporary occupation of Crimea by Russian forces in 2014. It connects Crimea to mainland Russia.
At the same time, Ukraine considers the Crimean Bridge a legitimate target for strikes. Ukrainian forces have already attacked the bridge twice - on October 8, 2022, and July 17, 2023. Currently, Russian occupiers fear another attack, as reports suggest that Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence is preparing a third strike on the Crimean Bridge.
This is why the Russians are constructing defense structures around the bridge, hoping to protect it from new strikes by Ukrainian Defense Forces.
