13 June 2024 , 17:39
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This is the dramatic moment a Russian £39 million missile system is blown up by a suspected kamikaze drone valued at around £70,000.
Footage shows soldiers running from the Buk-M2 mobile surface-to-air system before it is blown up by the Switchblade 600 drone.
A large explosion at the back of the missile system’s trailer is visible, with thick smoke seen rising into the sky.
This is just the latest blow for Vladimir Putin’s army, as a Russian tank was obliterated by Ukraine’s £500 drone last week.
Reports indicate the Ukrainian attack was staged in Komunarivka, located in occupied Donetsk region.
A remote operator controls the US-supplied Switchblade 600 with a high-resolution electro-optical and infrared camera that provides real-time video feeds to the FPV operator.
This FPV capability enables precise targeting, allowing operators to see the battlefield from the drone’s perspective.
It also has a tablet based control allowing for easy navigation and control of the drone’s flight and targeting systems.
Switchblade 600 drone (Picture: AeroVironment)
It likely flew some 19 miles from Ukrainian controlled territory to make the attack.
In 2014, also in Donetsk region, a Buk-M1 downed Malaysia Airlines flight MH17, killing all 298 people on board.
Last week a Ukrainian drone equipped with explosives destroyed a tank.
The assault was captured by Ukraine’s 46th Airmobile Brigade in the Donetsk region, where the Kremlin has improved its battlefield positions in recent weeks.
The Ukrainian army also launched its ‘first direct hit’ on Russian soil, destroying an ammunition warehouse.
Reports differ as to what the target of the attack was – and the weapon deployed.
A Ukrainian military source cited by Sky News confirmed this is’ the first Ukrainian Air Force (UAF) air-delivered munition delivered against a target within Russia’.
‘A UAF mission has struck a Russian command node in Belgorod. While damage assessment is still occurring, it is confirmed as a direct hit,’ they added.