Ukraine's drone chief announces new strikes on Russia’s air defense systems
Photo: Commander of the Ukrainian Unmanned Systems Forces Robert "Madyar" Brovdi (Getty Images)
The Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that on January 1, they continued a series of precise strikes on the enemy’s modern air defense systems, this was announced by the commander of the Ukrainian Unmanned Systems Forces (SBS), Robert "Madyar" Brovdi.
Robert "Madyar" Brovdi has reported new results of Ukrainian drone operations in the Donetsk region.
According to him, on January 1, 2026, the SBS Birds from the Asgard Battalion of the 412th separate Nemezis Brigade destroyed two more expensive Russian surface-to-air systems. These included a tactical Tor air defense missile system and a 50N6E radar station of the S-350 Vityaz system.
"Madyar" stressed that the second system is "extremely valuable and serious." He was referring to the S-350 radar, which is a key element of a modern air defense system. The S-350 has been in service only since 2021 as a replacement for the Buk system and is designed to destroy aircraft and cruise missiles. At the same time, it can simultaneously detect and track up to 40 targets. Its engagement range reaches up to 60 kilometers, with an altitude of up to 25 kilometers.
The commander also recalled events from late 2025. According to him, on December 31, his unit destroyed two systems — a Tor and a Buk — within one hour in the Huliaipole and Orikhiv directions.
Later, on New Year’s night, another Tor system and an S-350 radar were hit. Video footage of the destruction of one of them has already been released.
"Madyar" explained that all these targets were destroyed, not merely damaged.
Notably, these systems operate deep in the rear and are not deployed directly near the front line. They protect the airspace from drones and long-range strike weapons. The strikes use "middle-strike" class munitions with warheads weighing dozens of kilograms, and in some cases more than 100 kilograms.
According to the commander, equipment without real armor has no chance of surviving such a strike. If a target is detected and the drone reaches it, it is guaranteed to be put out of action. "Madyar" summed up the results bluntly: if they get it, that "thing" is finished.
'Madyar' on strikes against Russian forces
The commander of the Unmanned Systems Forces, Robert "Madyar" Brovdi, regularly reports on successful strikes by Ukrainian drones against enemy equipment and facilities.
For example, on New Year’s night, the Unmanned Systems Forces hit 10 military and infrastructure targets both on Russian territory and in areas occupied by the enemy.
Meanwhile, on the night of December 30, the "Madyar’s Birds" destroyed a Shahed launch hub at Donetsk Airport.
According to "Madyar", units of the Unmanned Systems Forces have destroyed and hit tens of thousands of enemy targets over the past few months, including manpower.
