February 25, 2026
The Special Operations Forces hit russian air defenses in temporarily occupied Crimea, eliminating key components of the S-400 system and destroying the Pantsir-S1 unit
On the night of February 25, 2026, Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces conducted a strike against russian air defense positions in temporarily occupied Crimea. According to official statements released on February 25, operators from the Middle Strike unit successfully hit high-value air defense assets deployed by russian forces on the peninsula.
https://www.facebook.com/UkrainianSOF?ref=embed_video
Among the confirmed targets was a launcher from the S-400 Triumf long-range surface-to-air missile system. Ukrainian forces also reported the destruction of the Pantsir-S1 short- to medium-range air defense system that had been protecting critical military infrastructure.
In addition to the S-400 launcher, the strike reportedly destroyed the 92N6E engagement radar and auxiliary components associated with the S-400 battery. The removal of such elements is significant, as the radar is central to target acquisition and missile guidance, making it one of the most critical and expensive components of the system.
S-400 Triumf system is widely regarded as one of russia’s most advanced air defense platforms, designed to engage aircraft, cruise missiles, and ballistic targets at long ranges. The estimated cost of a full S-400 battery can approach $1 billion, underscoring both the financial and operational impact of its loss.
Pantsir-S1 system, meanwhile, is typically deployed to shield higher-value air defense assets like S-400 system from low-altitude threats, including drones and precision-guided munitions. Its destruction suggests a deliberate effort to dismantle layered defensive coverage and expose remaining systems to follow-on strikes.
As Defense Express previously reported, Ukrainian drone pilots from the Phoenix unit are intensifying their operations on the Lyman axis, delivering precision strikes against russian forces and equipment. According to the report, the unit recently destroyed the BM-21 Grad multiple launch rocket system, depriving russian troops of a key source of indirect firepower in the sector.
