Ukraine Destroys Rare Russian Naval Radar-on-Wheels: Video

Newsweek

06-05-2025

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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Ukrainian forces have struck a rare and prized Russian naval radar system mounted on a vehicle, according to a video released by a Ukrainian military unit.
The footage purportedly shows Ukraine targeting a naval version of the Zaslon radar, which was originally developed for the MiG-31 interceptor aircraft.
Newsweek contacted the Kremlin for comment by email.
A Ukrainian soldier fires his rifle during a military training with French servicemen, in a military training compound at an undisclosed location in Poland, on April 25, 2025.
A Ukrainian soldier fires his rifle during a military training with French servicemen, in a military training compound at an undisclosed location in Poland, on April 25, 2025.
WOJTEK RADWANSKI/AFP/Getty Images
Why It Matters
Only a limited number of Russian warships are equipped with the naval variant of the Zaslon radar. The strike, if confirmed, would represent a notable setback for Russia's Navy, which has already sustained significant losses during President Vladimir Putin's war in Ukraine.
It's the first time the system has been struck in the conflict, which began in February 2022, the military unit said.
What To Know
— Хлопці, чому ви 'Заслон' не опублікували? — питають наші оператори.— Бо, кажемо, відео якесь мляве, враження слабке, таке нецікаво …А виявляється,...
The footage was released by Ukraine's Raid 413 Battalion, a unit within the Unmanned Systems Forces, which specializes in drone warfare.
The battalion described the Zaslon as a "unique ship-based radar station" that can detect targets at a distance of up to 300 kilometers (186 miles) and simultaneously track up to 200 objects.
"And, it seems, it has never been hit during the entire war," the unit said in a post on its social media pages.
The video, filmed by a drone, shows the radar being targeted as it is transported along an empty field. The clip doesn't show the aftermath of the strike.
Russian authorities haven't commented on the attack.
Newsweek couldn't independently verify when or where the footage was filmed, but the strike has also been mentioned by Russian military bloggers.
In 2020, Russian media reported that roughly a dozen new warships built mainly for the Pacific Fleet would be fitted with the Zaslon radar systems.
"The ships of the new series planned for construction will receive integrated radar systems 'Zaslon', capable of detecting stealth-technology devices at a distance of 75 km, and simpler targets at a distance of at least 300 km," Russian news outlet Top War reported.
The vessels would be designed for combating enemy surface ships and submarines, provide artillery support for naval landing operations through missile and artillery strikes against enemy vessels at sea and in port, and to patrol designated areas to enforce blockades, the publication said.
What People Are Saying
Ukraine's Raid 413 Battalion, a unit within the Unmanned Systems Forces, said on its social media pages: "This 'Zaslon' will not block anything anymore."
Milinfolive, Russian military blogger on Telegram: "The Ukrainian FPV drone allegedly hit the three-coordinate shipborne multifunctional radar complex "Zaslon", mounted on a wheeled base. The extent of the damage remains unknown.
Judging by the rotation, the vehicle is equipped with an S-band radar, which is part of the complex. In active mode, the range and altitude of target detection are 200 and 30 kilometers, respectively."
What Happens Next
Talks between Ukraine, Russia, and the U.S. to potentially end the war have stalled. State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce told reporters last week that Washington will no longer "fly around the world at the drop of a hat to mediate meetings."
President Donald Trump has indicated that he plans to meet with Putin later this month.