Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces (SOF) have successfully targeted and destroyed a Russian R-416GM digital radio relay communications station using a kamikaze drone. This operation marks the first instance since the start of the all-out war.
The operation, carried out by operators from the 3rd SOF Regiment, identified the R-416GM station, which has been in Russian service since 2018. This mobile station is designed to enhance the effectiveness of radio relay communications units in field conditions, supporting duplex communication in various GHz bands over distances up to 40 km. Its destruction is a strategic setback for the Russian military, significantly disrupting their command and control operations.
The drone used in the strike visually resembles the Polish Warmate drone but features distinct differences, such as downward-pointing tail fins. The Ukrainian SOF report indicates that the drone has been in active use since 2022, although it was previously unreported in this specific role. The operator interface shown in the video also differs from that used in the RAM II kamikaze drone, indicating the use of a different, possibly more advanced system.
The footage released by the SOF shows the moment the drone strikes the relay station, resulting in an explosion and subsequent fire. This strike has effectively disrupted communication between the Russian command post and its units on the ground, demonstrating the drone’s high resistance to interference and impressive range. The stable targeting mark and the drone’s ability to correct its path during the strike suggest sophisticated automatic target tracking capabilities.
The Ukrainian military’s use of this new kamikaze drone, described as one of the “latest acquisitions” for the SOF, underscores the ongoing advancements in their operational capabilities. The destruction of the R-416GM, a communications system valued at approximately $25 million, represents a considerable loss for the Russian forces, impairing their ability to coordinate effectively in the field.
This successful strike highlights the evolving nature of drone warfare and the strategic importance of targeting communication infrastructures in modern conflicts. The Ukrainian SOF’s ability to locate, target, and destroy such a critical asset demonstrates their growing proficiency and technological prowess in the face of ongoing hostilities.
For the first time in the history of this war, R-416GM, a modern russian mobile communication station, was destroyed by @SOF_UKR operators. pic.twitter.com/bHWbtz3m3H
— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) June 13, 2024
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