Ukraine’s military intelligence successfully targeted a Russian early-warning radar near Orsk, Orenburg, setting a record distance for such an operation.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
In a significant operation, a Ukrainian drone targeted a Russian “Voronezh M” early-warning radar near Orsk in the Orenburg region, marking a “record” distance of around 1,500 kilometers from the nearest Ukrainian-controlled territory. This unprecedented operation was conducted by Ukraine’s military spy agency, a Kyiv intelligence source revealed on Monday.
The source did not confirm whether the attack caused any damage. Russian media, including the Izvestia newspaper, reported a drone incident in the Orenburg region on Sunday, noting that no civilian infrastructure was hit. However, Moscow has not provided an official comment on the matter.
Russia’s network of early-warning radars, crucial for detecting enemy missile launches and potential nuclear threats, includes the advanced Voronezh-type radars. The Voronezh radar in Orenburg is part of this strategic defense system, which was confirmed operational by the commander of Russia’s aerospace forces in 2017.
Recent satellite imagery cited by U.S. media outlet RFE/RL showed damage to a Voronezh-DM radar in Armavir, Krasnodar, following unconfirmed drone attack reports. While Reuters has not independently verified this imagery, it underscores the increasing use of long-range drones in the conflict.
As the war between Russia and Ukraine enters its third year, Kyiv has intensified its use of long-range drones to strike Russian military and energy targets, including oil refineries. This strategy counters Russia’s relentless long-range attacks on Ukrainian targets, particularly its energy infrastructure, which Moscow claims are retaliatory measures.
An unnamed Ukrainian media source stated that the drone flew approximately 1,800 kilometers during Sunday’s attack. Earlier this month, Ukrainian intelligence reported that a drone reached an oil processing plant in Russia’s Bashkiria region, covering a distance of 1,500 kilometers, setting a previous record for long-range drone strikes by Kyiv.
This latest operation highlights Ukraine’s evolving military capabilities and strategic focus on disrupting key Russian military assets deep within its territory.