Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence Directorate (HUR) reported Wednesday that a targeted drone strike by its special unit “The Ghosts” successfully damaged critical components of Russia’s S-400 “Triumf” air defense system in Russian-occupied Crimea.
The operation was carried out on June 26, marking another attempt by Ukrainian forces to degrade Russian military capabilities in the occupied peninsula through asymmetric and long-range tactics.
According to the HUR, the Ghosts unit used reconnaissance and strike drones to disable five high-value components of the S-400 system: two 92N2E multifunctional radar control stations, two 91N6E long-range detection radars, and one missile launch vehicle.
“These radar systems are the eyes of an enemy air defense system,” the Defense Intelligence stated in an official release. “Without them, anti-aircraft systems become ineffective.”
Drones of the “Prymary” special unit of the @DI_Ukraine continue to systematically weaken russian air defense in temporarily occupied Crimea.
The video shows combat footage targeting critical and high-value components of the S-400 “Triumf” air defense system.The targets hit:
•… pic.twitter.com/nyu4tXQtpi— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) June 27, 2025
A Ukrainian defense official, speaking on condition of anonymity to United24 Media, said the strategic impact is clear. “Each successful operation further degrades the enemy’s ability to control the skies over occupied territories. This is part of a broader effort to create strategic vulnerabilities in their defenses.”
The 92N6E radar, a critical component of the S-400 system, is capable of detecting and tracking up to 100 airborne targets simultaneously, while guiding up to 72 missiles in flight. The 91N6E radar provides early warning detection and tracking functions, enabling the S-400 system to engage targets at long distances and high altitudes.
Ukraine’s GUR has reportedly destroyed two 91N6E “Big Bird” radars — long-range S-band phased array early warning systems paired with Russia’s S-400 air defense network.
The 91N6E is a high-power PESA radar derived from the 64N6 series, capable of detecting stealth and… pic.twitter.com/BpZ9hGEg3D
— Radio & Nukes 🇺🇦 (@HamWa07) June 26, 2025
The strike is the latest in a series of Ukrainian operations aimed at undermining Russia’s control over Crimea, which was annexed by Moscow in 2014. Ukrainian intelligence claims that the Ghosts unit has been “consistently continuing to weaken Russian air defense in the temporarily occupied Crimea.”
The S-400 Triumf system is Russia’s flagship surface-to-air missile platform and is intended to replace the older S-300 series. It boasts a multi-tiered missile array capable of intercepting aircraft, cruise missiles, and ballistic threats at varying ranges and altitudes. Moscow has heavily promoted the system in international arms markets, portraying it as one of the most advanced in the world.
