A recently released drone image provides a rare view of a Ukrainian Air Force S-300PT long-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) battery actively engaging an air target.
This image offers a rare glimpse into the operational capabilities of Ukraine’s air defence systems.
The S-300PT system, part of the broader S-300 family, remains crucial to Ukraine’s air defence. This system, originally developed during the Soviet era, continues to serve in the Ukrainian military, with around 30 battalions currently in service.
Most of these are S-300PS/PT battalions under the Air Force, with fewer S-300V1 battalions managed by the Army.
A standard S-300PT battalion typically includes search radars, low-altitude search radars, and three to four batteries. Each battery typically has a fire control radar and three launchers. Unlike the more mobile S-300PS variant, the S-300PT has towed launchers and fire control radars, requiring about 30 minutes to set up. This time can vary if the fire control radar is mounted on high masts to extend its range.
Despite being an older model, the S-300PT remains effective. Its 5V55K missiles range up to 45 kilometres and can reach their target in about 40 seconds. The system’s radars can track low-flying aircraft, allowing it to engage multiple targets simultaneously.
The deployment of S-300 systems like the PT variant has significantly impacted the tactics used by opposing aircraft, forcing them to fly at lower altitudes to avoid detection. This adjustment, while necessary, increases their vulnerability to other air defence systems.
From an inexperienced civilian point of view is it a good strategy to have all the launchers grouped so close together?
There were limitations on how far apart they can be because of the wires linking the launchers to the control van and radars. It wasn’t just the length of cable available…but how long the cable could be whilst still transmitting ‘clean’ data. Those cables are pretty thick and heavy… Basically old technology….modern SAM systems can run cable for far greater distances or use data links so that systems can be spread over km’s or even 10’s of km’s. With each system having its own power generation as well. Trailers are also a bit daft….you need a truck to pull them… Read more »
Probably can’t easily separate them.
On a modern system you would use fibre or microwave comms.
These are probably linked by thick bus cables.
So the cable lengths are limited without repeaters…..
Old tech has limitations.
No. But: with widespread drones it might be a worthwhile a trade off.
Any medium and heavy SAM needs to have lighter systems to protect them from drones, including radars appropriate for it. Of course now it is vulnerable to an artillery attack too.
The Russians have deployed the S300 to defend numerous sites in occupied Donetsk and in Crimea. The Ukraine has successfully destroyed lots of S300 deployments using drones, there is lots of footage on YouTube channels.
The Ukraine military probably now have the best ECM kit and most experienced operators, with the possible exception of Israel. They are able to avoid/defeat Russian air defences with ease
Indeed there is a heck of a lot of footage on Youtube and also on X and FB via Tik tok, Most of it is believable but certain sites are clearly Propaganda, I tend to avoid watching certain sites though.
Watched a rather interesting one earlier about the highly probable and imminent attack on the Kerch Bridge, apparently it’s only a matter of time.
The Kerch Bridge has been struck by Ukraine drones and/or SF several times, and tho it’s not been dropped, it is impassable by train or by heavy armour.
Ukraine also sank a ferry that was being used to transport military materiel across the Kerch Strait a couple of weeks ago
Indeed, and I have recently been “Educated” that it is not that easy to destroy . I’m no expert so I’m happy to be educated by the experts who actually build these Civilian built bridges that are nearly impossible to destroy due to being designed to withstand natural disasters.
👀
I saw that ferry strike, brutal. Smaller ferry to replace the others that were also taken out. The Russians are running out of logistic options in that strait and in the Kursk area giving the pontoons keep getting smashed.
I’m hoping that’s pr footage or they’re ready to scoot quickly after firing because it’ll take not much return fire to put all that out of commission… They’re so closely clustered!
Good Evening,
When will the UK get an adequate drone and missile Defence for its Airfields and strategic assets (civil and military) infrastructure?
A Bloodhound replacement has long been awaited.
Best regards Nick
Indeed w need 3x what has been ordered with land ceptor with extended range version (Poland) and something for icbm based on what we have on t45s. Keep common stock training etc
We need arrow 3 and aster , not shitty Camm