National Guard troops destroyed a Russian electronic warfare system A resident in the rear
Soldiers from the Lasar’s Group unmanned aerial vehicle unit of the Ukrainian National Guard destroyed a rare Russian R-330Zh “Zhitiel” electronic warfare station. Ukrainian drones flew 55 kilometers deep into Russian positions, located the system, and struck it.
Soldiers from the Lasar’s Group of the Ukrainian National Guard released a video showing the destruction of the Russian R-330Zh “Zhitiel” electronic warfare system. According to military officials, the target was destroyed back in mid-summer. The Russian system was found deep behind enemy lines. “In mid-summer, we tracked down the R-330Zh ‘Zhitiel’ automated jamming station. This equipment was primarily used against reconnaissance drones to prevent the Ukrainian Defense Forces from monitoring the Sievierodonetsk area,” the Lasar’s Group reported.
How the Russian “Zhitiel” Was Found
The operation was carried out by the unit itself. First, intelligence analysts, together with aerial reconnaissance crews, pinpointed the exact location where the Russians had deployed the R-330Zh.
Afterward, the military planned a strike on the system. They used LASAR bombers—which the unit manufactures itself—for the attack. In other words, the Ukrainian military identified the target themselves, determined its coordinates, prepared the operation, and deployed their own strike drones.
The drones flew 55 kilometers
Once the coordinates were determined, the strike crews sprang into action. The “LASAR” crews launched the drones into the air, and they flew 55 kilometers deep into Russian positions. The drones then attacked the Russian R-330Zh “Zhitiel” station.
According to the unit, the system was destroyed. As a result, the Russian complex can no longer interfere with Ukrainian drones in the area where it was deployed.
What Is the “Zhitiel” Used For?
The R-330Zh “Zhitiel” is a Russian automated electronic warfare station. Such systems are used to create radio jamming. They can disrupt communication and navigation channels, as well as counter drones. In this case, according to Lasar’s Group, the Russian military used the system primarily to counter Ukrainian reconnaissance drones.
This allowed them to hinder Ukrainian forces’ surveillance of the Sieverskodonetsk area. Destroying such a system, accordingly, opens up more opportunities for Ukrainian aerial reconnaissance operations in this sector.
The Russian system is considered a high-value target
The R-330Zh “Zhitiel” is a specialized piece of military equipment. Such systems are not used directly to engage ground targets, but they play an important role in protecting Russian units from Ukrainian drones. That is precisely why detecting and destroying electronic warfare stations is a crucial part of countering the Russian electronic warfare system.
In this instance, the Ukrainian military was able to reach the complex far behind the front lines. At the same time, the unit has not disclosed the exact details of the operation, the number of drones used, or the circumstances surrounding the deployment of “Zhitiel.” Lasar’s Group continues to use its own unmanned systems for reconnaissance and strikes against Russian targets. This operation demonstrates that Ukrainian drones can operate not only directly near the front lines. They are also capable of reaching critical targets deep behind enemy lines. The unit reported on the combat operation via social media and released a video documenting the mission.
