An attack drone from the 1st Separate Center of the Unmanned Systems Forces of Ukraine hit the launcher of the S-300VM Antey-2500 air defense system near Mariupol.
The action was reported by a channel on Telegramwhich published footage taken by military personnel involved in the operation.
According to the post, the attack occurred on the evening of February 17. The video shows the moment when the drone identifies the self-propelled launcher and moves closer to it, while continuing to monitor the target until the final phase of the attack.
At the last second, the operator aimed the drone directly at the transport and launch container of the missile mounted on the system’s vehicle. Experts say that detonation or ignition of an air defense missile on this type of platform usually causes complete destruction of the launcher, although there has been no official confirmation of the extent of the damage caused.
The S-300V, a modernized version that gave rise to the S-300VM, was developed in the former Soviet Union to protect strategic targets from ballistic and aerodynamic air threats. In recent months, components of these systems — including radars and launchers deployed in the occupied territories — have frequently been targeted by Ukrainian forces.
❗️The unit of the 🇺🇦1st Center of Unmanned Systems Forces (formerly the 14th Regiment) reported that last night they destroyed a 🇷🇺Russian S-300VM air defense system near Mariupol. pic.twitter.com/UBnA2Bi1Wf
— 🪖MilitaryNewsUA🇺🇦 (@front_ukrainian) February 17, 2026
Source: Militarnyi | Photo: X @front_ukrainian | This content is created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
