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Ukraine's military destroys Russian Tor-M2 anti-aircraft system worth $25 million (video)

Ukraine's military destroys Russian Tor-M2 anti-aircraft system worth $25 million (video) Photo: Ukrainian troops destroy Tor-M2 air defense system (Russian media)
Author: Bohdan Babaiev

The National Guard of Ukraine has struck a Russian Tor-M2 surface-to-air missile system using drones, setting the expensive military equipment on fire.

In the southern direction, National Guardsmen successfully targeted another air defense system belonging to the Russian army. According to military officials, the strike was made possible by coordinated efforts between reconnaissance units and drone operators.

"National Guardsmen continue to operate effectively in the southern direction. This time, a Russian Tor-M2 anti-aircraft missile system was hit with precision," the military said.

The National Guard released a video showcasing the accuracy of its troops. The footage shows drones repeatedly dropping explosives on the Russian system. Moments later, the missile system caught fire. Russian troops fled the area. The fate of the system's crew remains unknown.

Details about the Tor-M2

The Tor-M2 is a short-range Russian surface-to-air missile system designed to engage various aerial targets at close distances. Its main purpose is to protect military and strategic sites from attacks by aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, drones, and precision-guided weapons.

The system's development began in 1975 during the Soviet era. It was adopted by the Russian military in 1986. Russian forces continue to actively use this system, including in the war against Ukraine.

The Tor-M2 is a modernized version of the original Tor system. It is capable of launching missiles while on the move. The updated model carries up to 16 9M338 missiles, which feature an expanded strike range and improved accuracy. The cost of a single Tor-M2 system is estimated at approximately $25 million.

Russian losses in the war

Over the past day, Russia's army lost 1,310 soldiers. Additionally, Ukrainian forces destroyed two tanks, six armored fighting vehicles, 33 artillery systems, one multiple-launch rocket system, one air defense asset, 55 operational-tactical UAVs, 117 vehicles, and three pieces of specialized enemy equipment.