Ukrainian drones operating in Russian-occupied Crimea have destroyed a Pantsir-S1 air defense system, several radar stations, and a Russian Su-30 fighter jet, Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence Directorate (HUR) reported.
“Like barberry sweets, our ‘Beavers’ are gnawing away at Russia’s air defenses,” the caption accompanying a video released by HUR on Telegram reads.
The footage showcases strikes by Ukrainian-made UJ-26 drones in Crimea. The drones are commonly known as “Bober” – the Ukrainian word for beaver.
“These reliable weapons in the hands of HUR special forces are turning the enemy’s critical military infrastructure into useless scrap – especially Russia’s high-value air defense systems,” the statement said.
The drone strike reportedly destroyed:
- A Pantsir-S1 air defense system and its crew
- A Niobium-SV radar
- A Pechora-3 coastal radar
- A Protivnik-GE radar
- A Russian Su-30 fighter jet on the ground at the Saki Airfield
The exact date of the strikes was not disclosed.
The UJ-26 is a long-range UAV with an operational range of 800 kilometers (500 miles) – the drone became notorious after it was used in an attack on central Moscow in 2023, according to a report by Suspilne.
The drone has a unique “duck-like” design, with smaller front wings and a rear-mounted engine, making it appear as though it’s flying backward. While its warhead weight is undisclosed, it is considered comparable to the Iranian Shahed-131, estimated at 10-15 kilograms (22-33 pounds).
Open sources estimate the cost of each UJ-26 to be around Hr. 4 million ($95,000).
In a separate operation, HUR reportedly used Beavers to strike a Russian electronics plant manufacturing components for Kh-31, Kh-35, and Kh-59 missiles – regularly used in attacks on Ukraine.
On July 1, the Telegram channel “Crimean Wind” reported that S-300 and S-400 air defense systems, along with their radars, may also have been hit on the Kerch Peninsula. NASA satellite imagery recorded a large fire overnight near the village of Kurortne in the Leninsky district – a site where the launchers along with associated radars were said to be based.
The S-300 and S-400 systems are advanced Russian air defense systems. While the S-300 dates back to 1979, it has seen several upgrades. The S-400 “Triumph,” introduced in 2007, has superior range of up to 400 kilometers (250 miles), and can simultaneously track and engage multiple targets – including, allegedly, hypersonic missiles.
Both systems feature multifunctional radars, launchers, command vehicles, and operate within integrated air defense networks, often in automated mode.
Ukrainian drones targeted a key military site deep inside Russia overnight, striking the city of Izhevsk, over 1,200 kilometers (750 miles) from Ukraine’s border, local officials confirmed on July 1.
While Russian authorities have not disclosed the locations hit, sources within the Ukrainian special services told Kyiv Post that the target was the “Kupol” Electromechanical Plant, a major producer of air defense systems. Fires and casualties were reported, though no exact figures were given.
The Russian-occupied Donetsk and Luhansk regions were hit by a mass drone and missile attack at the same time. In Donetsk, Russian-backed officials reported 26 strikes involving drones, artillery, and long-range missiles. A bank branch in Horlivka was reportedly hit, injuring at least one person.
Ukrainian OSINT group Dnipro and Russian Telegram channel SHOT claimed British-made Storm Shadow cruise missiles were used, with one hitting the former Donetsk Institute of Non-Ferrous Metals – now allegedly used as a command center for Russia’s 8th Combined Arms Army.
In Luhansk, more than 20 drones caused multiple fires across the city. Russian media did not give any reported official casualty figures or damage reports, but heightened security was imposed in nearby towns.