Ukrainian fighters destroy Russian Sapphire electronic warfare system in Kursk region
Sapphire electronic warfare system (rostec.ru)
Ukrainian Special Operations Forces have destroyed a Russian Sapphire electronic warfare system in the Kursk region. The system was located at positions held by Russian forces, citing the command of the Special Operations Forces of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
"The electronic warfare station was identified during reconnaissance of enemy-controlled territory," the statement reads.
According to the Special Operations Forces, the Sapphire system was destroyed by strike drones, resulting in both killed and wounded among the occupying forces.
Sapphire electronic warfare system
The Sapphire system is capable of detecting a drone from a distance of 30 km. Electronic countermeasures begin at a range of 5 km as the UAV approaches the system. Russia claims that Sapphire can even suppress ground-based drone control stations.
In November 2023, it was reported that Russia had supposedly upgraded the Sapphire system. The upgrade included a modular construction with an expanded frequency range from 300 MHz to 6 GHz.
Frontline situation
According to the General Staff, as of the morning of August 28, 184 combat engagements were recorded over the past 24 hours. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported that Ukrainian forces managed to regain lost positions southwest of Kreminna. Meanwhile, Russian troops have also made advances in the Donbas.
Additionally, ISW analysts suggest that the Russians attempted to exploit the visit of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi to the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant to falsely portray Ukraine and undermine Western support.
