Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces (SOF) destroyed multiple components of a Russian S-400 Triumf air defense battery and the Pantsir-S1 system guarding it during an overnight strike in occupied Crimea.
In a Telegram post, the SOF confirmed that units from their Middle Strike branch struck Russian air defense positions near the village of Sofiivka in the early hours of February 25.
Confirmed losses include an S-400 launcher, a 92N6E fire-control radar, and supporting equipment. The 92N6E serves as the targeting system for the S-400 battery, tracking aerial threats and guiding interceptor missiles to their targets.
💥 Ukrainian special forces destroy costly Russian air defenses in Crimea
📹: Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukrainehttps://t.co/G4JxkC7jzY pic.twitter.com/bMX4kQ1ZGG
— RBC-Ukraine (@NewsUkraineRBC) February 25, 2026
The S-400 is among Russia’s most advanced long-range surface-to-air missile systems, capable of engaging aircraft, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles at ranges up to 400 kilometers (about 250 miles), depending on the missile used.
The Pantsir-S1, a combined missile and gun system designed to intercept drones and low-flying munitions at ranges up to 20 kilometers (about 12 miles).
The recent strikes are part of Ukraine’s ongoing campaign to dismantle Russia’s layered air defenses across Crimea.
In 2025, the SBU’s Alpha unit claimed responsibility for destroying roughly half of Russia’s deployed Pantsir inventory, with estimated equipment losses exceeding $4 billion. Previous Ukrainian strikes have targeted S-400 radars and launchers near Yevpatoriia, Cape Tarkhankut, and Belbek airbase.
“Special operations forces continue to carry out asymmetric actions to reduce Russia’s offensive potential,” the SOF stated.
