Unit of Ukraine’s intelligence destroys rare radar from Russia’s newest S-500 system

During a recent operation in Crimea, HUR operators detected a radar system initially misidentified as part of the S-400 Triumf system. However, after reviewing footage, it became clear that the target was one of the rarest and most valuable assets in Russia’s air defense arsenal - the 98L6 Yenisei radar station.

"The rare and high-value Yenisei radar is part of the Russian S-500 Prometey air defense system. It can also be used alongside S-400 Triumf complex. Its destruction deals a significant blow to the air defense capabilities of the Russian army in the temporarily occupied Crimea," the statement reads.

What is the S-500 Prometey

The S-500 Prometey is a Russian air defense system that officially entered combat duty in 2021. In theory, it is designed to intercept:

• medium-range ballistic missiles,

• intercontinental ballistic missiles at the final leg of flight,

• hypersonic missiles,

• low-orbit satellites, and

• aircraft.

However, in practice, when deployed in Crimea in 2024 to protect the Kerch Bridge, the S-500 failed to intercept any MGM-140 ATACMS ballistic missiles.

Earlier, Ukraine’s HUR released footage showing combat drones of the special unit Artan destroying Russian vehicles, ammunition depots, and communications equipment. The dramatic FPV drone footage demonstrated how Ukraine’s drone operators methodically eliminate enemy positions.