New Delhi: A drone flew low over Crimea and located its mark. Seconds later, flames leapt from the Russian base. Ukraine had executed the unthinkable – it struck deep into Russia’s most prized air protection system, the S-400.
This was no unusual hit. Ukrainian forces focused the 91N6E “Large Hen” radar, the attention of the S-400. Two of them had been destroyed in a single swoop. Ukraine’s army intelligence confirmed the strike. The assault was carried out by GUR’s Ghost unit – a reputation that now echoes louder than ever.
The strike occurred in Crimea, a area Moscow calls its personal since 2014. Ukraine by no means accepted that. And now, it’s ensuring Russia feels it day-after-day.
Russia calls the S-400 top-of-the-line air protection techniques on this planet. It sells it proudly to world allies, together with India. However when drones value a fraction of a missile can breach its radar internet, questions observe. Sharp ones. From each buddies and foes.
The Large Hen radar is not only part of the S-400. It’s the backbone. It scans threats 600 kilometers away, be it ballistic missiles or stealth fighters. It really works with the S-band frequency and makes use of phased array tech to trace incoming risks. With out it, the S-400 can nonetheless fireplace. However it might be firing blind.
That’s what makes this strike severe. Ukraine didn’t solely harm a chunk of {hardware}. It cracked open a system as soon as believed to be practically untouchable. A system India has already began inducting. A system Russia nonetheless claims is unmatched.
However nothing bleeds confidence like a smoking wreck.
The S-400 could survive this conflict. However its status? That’s taking a direct hit. India, watching carefully, could now have a number of questions of its personal.