Ukraine’s Chornyi Lis (Black Forest) artillery reconnaissance brigade has reportedly destroyed a Russian S-350 Vityaz air defense system in the Donetsk region.
Footage released by Ukraine’s Operational Strategic Group Khortytsia, also known as Joint Forces Group and Eastern Group of Troops, captures the precision strike on the S-350, leading to its complete destruction.
“Thanks to the skillful actions of the reconnaissance men of the Chornyi Lis (Black Forest) Artillery Reconnaissance Brigade, we have managed to detect and destroy Russia’s latest short- and medium-range S-350 Vityaz anti-aircraft missile system,” the group said in a statement.
Destruction of a russian S-350 Vitiaz SAM system worth $135 million.
📹: Black Forest Brigade pic.twitter.com/5xdoW3PJgW
— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) February 17, 2025
The S-350 Vityaz, developed by Russia’s Almaz-Antey defense group, is a medium-range surface-to-air missile system designed to counter a variety of aerial threats, including aircraft, helicopters, drones, and cruise missiles.
Introduced into service in 2020, the system is intended to replace older S-300PS units and features advanced radar capabilities along with a launcher accommodating up to 16 missiles. The system is estimated to cost approximately $130 million.
The Ministry of Defense has shown footage for the first time of the combat operations of the newest S-350 Vityaz and Pantsir-S1 air defense systems repelling enemy attacks in the Donetsk direction.
The main difference between the “Vityaz” and previous systems is the number of… pic.twitter.com/2d7S0gKpKR
— MD (@distant_earth83) July 4, 2024
Earlier reports indicate that Ukrainian units have also destroyed other advanced Russian systems, such as the S-400’s 92N6 radar component, further degrading Russia’s air defense infrastructure in the region.
Russian S-400 air defence system was destroyed by Ukrainian ATACMS missile strike in Russia’s Kursk region.
Five division officers, including the commander and chief of staff, were killed, along with three employees of Almaz-Antey.
92N6E radar & two launchers were destroyed. pic.twitter.com/L0pEeBS3BR
— Clash Report (@clashreport) November 25, 2024
