The Ukrainian Armed Forces destroyed a Russian S-400 system that had been used to attack Kyiv
On September 17, the Ukrainian Armed Forces destroyed a Russian S-400 launcher in the Bryansk Oblast. According to Fire Point, the strike was carried out by FP-1 drones, and the launcher itself had previously been used by the Russian military to launch strikes against Kyiv.
The Ukrainian military struck the S-400 launcher on September 17. According to the company, the launcher was located near the village of Poroshino in Russia’s Bryansk region. The Defense Forces used long-range FP-1 drones for the strike. Fire Point noted that the Russians had modernized this system. After the upgrades, it was used not only for its primary purpose—air defense—but also for strikes against ground targets. “On September 17, the Defense Forces used FP-1 drones to destroy an S-400 launcher that the Russians had modernized to strike ground targets,” the company stated.
They also claim that this particular missile system was intended for strikes against Kyiv and had previously been used against the Ukrainian capital. Other details of the operation, including the number of drones used and the circumstances surrounding the destruction of the launcher, were not disclosed in the statement.
What is known about the S-400
The S-400 “Triumph” is a Russian long- and medium-range air defense missile system. Its primary mission is to detect and destroy aerial targets. The system can engage aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles. Russia also claims that the S-400 can be used to intercept certain ballistic targets. The system consists of more than just a single vehicle. It includes radar stations, a command post, and launchers.
It is the launcher that directly fires missiles at designated targets. Therefore, its destruction could weaken the capabilities of a specific unit within the system, though it does not automatically mean the destruction of the entire S-400 system. Various types of missiles are used with the S-400. They differ in their characteristics and range. Russia claims that individual missiles in the system can engage air targets at distances of up to 400 kilometers.
When Russia Received the S-400
The first S-400 systems began entering service with the Russian military in 2007. Russia considers them one of the key elements of its air defense system. These systems are deployed in various regions of the country, as well as in the occupied Ukrainian territories.
In particular, the Russian military has deployed S-400s in occupied Crimea. From there, the systems can control a significant portion of the airspace over the Black Sea and southern Ukraine. Russia also uses its air defense systems not only to protect military facilities. The Russians have used certain systems and missiles to strike ground targets in Ukraine.
Why destroying a launcher is important
The launcher is one of the key elements of a missile system. Without it, a unit cannot fire the required number of missiles from that specific position. The distance to the Ukrainian border is particularly noteworthy in this case. The Russian launcher was destroyed in the Bryansk region, that is, far from the immediate front line.
Furthermore, according to Fire Point, the launcher was linked to strikes on Kyiv. Therefore, its destruction may be significant not only for the situation on a specific section of the front but also for Russia’s ability to use such systems to attack Ukrainian cities. At the same time, it is currently difficult to assess the exact consequences of this operation for the Russian weapons system. There is also no independent confirmation of all the details provided by Fire Point.
What Is Known About the FP-1 Drones
The FP-1 is a Ukrainian long-range strike drone used by the Defense Forces. These drones are designed to strike targets at a considerable distance from the front lines. Their use allows the Ukrainian military to attack Russian military targets not only directly at the front. According to Fire Point, it was FP-1 drones that succeeded in striking an S-400 launcher in the Bryansk region this time.
Such operations are part of Ukraine’s strikes against Russian military infrastructure. At the same time, specific details of Ukrainian units’ operations are usually not disclosed for security reasons. It is currently known that on September 17, the Ukrainian military announced the destruction of an S-400 launcher that the Russians had been using to strike ground targets. According to Fire Point, this system had previously been used in attacks on Kyiv. Fire Point reported the destruction of the Russian system.
As a reminder, Russia struck a shopping center in Zaporizhzhia.
In Zaporizhzhia, the number of people injured as a result of a Russian FPV drone attack on a passenger bus has risen. Currently, eight people are known to have been injured—four men and four women. All of them are receiving the necessary medical care.
The enemy attacked a passenger bus in the Kosmichny district of Zaporizhzhia using an FPV drone. At the time of the attack, the bus was carrying passengers who were on their way to run errands.
