Ukraine claims $4 bln in Russian air defenses destroyed over past year (video)
Photo: Ukraine's Security Service 'neutralized' Russian air defenses (facebook: SecurSerUkraine)
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has effectively blinded the Russian army. Special forces units destroyed radar stations and air defense systems that had previously detected and shot down Ukrainian aircraft and drones.
In 2025, special forces of the SBU Alpha Special Operations Center carried out what amounted to a full-scale rout of Russia's air defense network.
The commandos deliberately targeted Russia’s most expensive systems—those meant to protect its airspace. In total, over the year, the occupiers lost equipment worth around $4 billion.
Key components of Russia's defensive shield came under fire from Alpha's long-range capabilities. The special forces systematically disabled both long-range air defense systems and short-range cover systems deployed along the front line and deep in the rear.
- Surface-to-air missile systems: destruction of S-300, S-350, and S-400 systems was recorded.
- Tactical air defense: confirmed strikes on Buk-M1/M2 and Tor-M1/M2/M3 systems.
- Airspace protection: Pantsir-S1/S2 missile-and-gun systems were eliminated.
In addition to launchers, Russia’s radar reconnaissance assets suffered heavy losses. Without these radars, enemy air defenses are unable to detect aerial targets.
Among the hit targets were Nebo-U/Nebo-M, Podlyot, Niobiy, and Kasta-2E2 radar stations. Fire-control radars within S-400 battalions were also disabled, including the 92N6 radar.
"This effort produced a systemic effect: corridors were punched through Russia's layered air defenses, enabling safe routes for Ukrainian long-range drones deep into enemy territory—toward military bases, depots, airfields, and other military facilities," the SBU said.
«Альфа» СБУ у 2025 році відмінусувала вороже ППО на $4 млрд
— СБ України (@ServiceSsu) January 19, 2026
https://t.co/PgMQuShnS2 pic.twitter.com/zwHvh8ltNr
In addition to strikes on equipment, Alpha special forces systematically eliminate enemy manpower across all sectors of the front. In just the final two weeks of December 2025, SBU fighters killed more than 3,700 occupiers, including through the use of high-precision FPV drones.
Overall, since the start of the full-scale invasion, the unit has destroyed Russian military equipment worth more than $5.5 billion. Its tally includes over 1,800 destroyed tanks—every sixth enemy tank hit was taken out by Alpha.
