War in Ukraine: Kiev drones strike Russian radar Kasta 35N6 valued at $60 million

A significant loss for Moscow? Ukrainian unmanned systems have reportedly targeted Russian air defense capabilities in the occupied territory of the Zaporizhia region, hitting a radar installation located far behind the front line.

The 23rd Brigade “Khortytsia” of the Ukrainian National Guard allegedly carried out a successful operation, targeting the Kasta 35N6 radar station, as reported by the Ukrainian specialized site Defense Express, which shared a video that appears to come from a kamikaze drone’s onboard camera. According to the footage, the drone appears to have indeed hit the Kasta radar station.

This Russian device, crucial for aerial surveillance, stands out for its ability to detect and effectively track targets, especially those flying at low altitudes where traditional radars often encounter difficulties.

“A surgical strike has taken down the enemy’s aerial detection system in the south of Zaporizhia, destroying a key radar system and weakening enemy air coverage,” commented Brigadier General Oleksandr Pivnenko, commander of the National Guard, on his Telegram channel.

Integrated into the core of the Russian multilayer air defense architecture, the Kasta 35N6 plays a significant role in providing essential data that allows surface-to-air missiles to effectively engage threats.

A Financial and Tactical Setback

If confirmed, its disabling creates immediate gaps in radar coverage, complicating the coordination of Russian air defense assets in this vital sector. Without it, Russian forces face reduced early warning capability and diminished capacity to respond to Ukrainian aerial threats, including drones and precision-guided munitions.

The location of this strike deep behind the front line underscores the increasing range and precision of Ukrainian drone strikes. This capability not only allows Kiev to disrupt frontline units but also to target critical infrastructure supporting Russian operations far from direct combat zones.

The cost of a Kasta 35N6 radar is estimated to be around $60 million. Beyond the financial and tactical setback, replacing such specialized equipment takes a long time in the current wartime context and under the pressure of international sanctions.