March 4, 2026
Ukrainian forces carried out a series of precision strikes on russian radar systems, air defense assets, and UAV control centers in temporarily occupied Luhansk, Donetsk, and Crimea
Ukrainian forces have carried out a new series of precision strikes against russian military assets in temporarily occupied territories, according to an evening update published on March 3 by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The strikes targeted critical components of russia’s air defense and drone command infrastructure.
Among the confirmed targets was a radar station belonging to the S-300 surface-to-air missile system deployed near Tytarivka in the temporarily occupied part of Luhansk region. By hitting the radar element of the system, Ukrainian forces likely aimed to degrade its ability to detect and track aerial threats, rather than merely damaging launchers.
Additional radar assets were struck in Crimea, including the Sopka-2 air surveillance radar and the 39N6 Kasta-2E2 radar system. Both systems are designed to detect and monitor aerial targets at various altitudes, forming part of russia’s layered air defense network on the peninsula. Their neutralization could create temporary gaps in radar coverage and reduce early warning capabilities.
The General Staff also reported a strike against a repair unit belonging to a separate motorized rifle brigade in Zachatіvka, in Donetsk region. Targeting repair and maintenance infrastructure suggests an effort to disrupt the logistical backbone supporting russian frontline formations, potentially slowing equipment recovery and redeployment.
In addition, Ukrainian forces struck enemy unmanned aerial vehicle command posts in the areas of Rodynske and Pokrovsk in Donetsk region. UAV control centers play a central role in reconnaissance, artillery adjustment, and strike coordination, making them high-value targets in the evolving drone-centric battlefield.
As Defense Express previously reported, fighters of Ukraine’s Chornyi Lis 15th Artillery Reconnaissance Brigade have struck and destroyed russian Pantsir-S1 air defense system in russia’s Belgorod region. Footage of the operation was released on the brigade’s official page, documenting both the strike and its aftermath.
“Ukrainian forces likely aimed to degrade its ability to detect and track aerial threats, rather than merely damaging launchers.”
I’m not sure damaging the radar would degrade the ability of this junk. It can’t detect anything even when it’s working.
And the radars are often the more expensive parts of air defense systems.
That doesn’t say much for the rest of the junk. 😂