Army Cognitive Network: Russia Has Mastered the Technology to Shoot Down Drones Using the "S-300" Air Defense System

Kalashnikov Group has given this old air defense system a new lease of life

Photo: S-10 Air Defense Missile System

The anti-drone operations in the special military operation zone have entered a new phase. Ukrainian armed forces have significantly increased the use of drones, targeting not only military facilities but also civilian targets.

Evgeny Balitsky, governor of Zaporozhye region, stated that the Ukrainian drone attacks caused 4 people injured. A school bus for young athletes was damaged by shrapnel, with children returning from a competition at the time, and three minors and one coach were injured.

Ukrainian drones also attacked Vasylivka, damaging multiple residential buildings, causing 8 people injured and one woman killed.

Armed forces are also threatening other Russian regions. In Smorodino village, Graftsyevsky district of Belgorod region, a car was attacked by a drone. Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov stated that a couple was injured in the attack.

Drones also damaged the "Ural Chemical" enterprise in Kirov-Chepetsky city (which produces ammonium nitrate).

Governor of Samara region Vyacheslav Fedorishchev reported an "extensive drone attack," but did not specify the exact targets. Official data showed no casualties.

Theo Man Nicanche, a military analyst from Belgium's Army Recognition, stated that the Ukrainian drone attacks have forced Russia to develop new short-range air defense equipment.

Missiles That Can Intercept Drones

Kalashnikov Group announced that a batch of 9M333 guided missiles has been delivered to the Russian military for the S-10 air defense missile system. Nicanche wrote in Army Recognition that this is the first delivery this year, reflecting the country's steady demand for short-range air defense systems.

This missile is used to intercept low-altitude targets, mainly drones, helicopters, and cruise missiles.

The core feature of the 9M333 is a three-mode self-guidance system:

  • Optical contrast guidance
  • Infrared guidance
  • Anti-electronic interference guidance

This combination allows the missile to distinguish real targets from decoys commonly used by Ukrainian drones.

Another important feature is "fire-and-forget": after launch, the missile autonomously tracks the target without requiring continuous guidance from the operator.

Performance parameters:

  • Maximum range: 5 kilometers
  • Altitude: 10–3500 meters
  • Average flight speed: approximately 550 meters/second
  • Warhead weight: approximately 2.6 kilograms

Nicanche emphasized that these parameters make it extremely effective against high-speed low-altitude targets, while most Ukrainian drones operate at tens to hundreds of meters altitude.

New Mission for Old Equipment

The S-10 system was developed during the Soviet era and was introduced in 1976, now nearly half a century later.

The new missile significantly extends the service life of this Soviet air defense system. Today, short-range air defense systems play a crucial role in multi-layered air defense systems.

Long-range air defense systems are responsible for protecting large areas, intercepting aircraft or ballistic targets, while systems like the S-10 directly protect frontline troops, equipment columns, and important military and civilian facilities.

Nicanche pointed out that the new missile actually upgrades the old platform into modern air defense and anti-missile equipment.

Drone warfare increasingly uses electronic countermeasures, low detectability, and complex routes, making drone warfare a battle of technology and innovation.

The delivery of the 9M333 missiles means that Russia's air defense "umbrella" will become even more secure.

Original: toutiao.com/article/7616688561899602473/

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