The Ukrainian Navy conducted a series of First-Person View (FPV) drone strikes, reportedly destroying two Pantsir-S1 and one Osa short-range air defense systems in the Kherson Oblast region.
The strikes reportedly targeted Russian SAM systems stationed in Pryvillya, Kherson Oblast. The village, situated over 50 miles from the current frontline near the city of Kherson, lies just 3.5 miles from the Black Sea coast. Russian Telegram channels confirmed reports of a Ukrainian drone attack in the area.
Unconfirmed reports indicate that the Ukrainian Navy likely utilized USVs to launch the FPV drones from the Black Sea, allowing them to bypass over 45 miles of enemy-controlled territory and enabling strikes deep behind the frontlines. A Ukrainian milbolg shared a simple map showing a possible route of the USVs and FPV drones used in the operation.
The footage released by the Ukrainian Navy shows an FPV drone attacking a Russian Pantsir-S1 system, which was stationed beyond the range of ground-launched drones. The video captures the drone targeting the cockpit of the Pantsir system, an area housing its operators. While the extent of the damage is not confirmed, the attack may have impacted the crew or equipment. The Pantsir system was on duty at the time, as evidenced by its active radar.
FPV drone strike on Russian Pantsir-S1 air defence system. What is unusual is that the video was published by the Ukrainian Navy. Kherson region. https://t.co/jd9HksGMwI pic.twitter.com/q94mYiLS7L
— Special Kherson Cat 🐈🇺🇦 (@bayraktar_1love) January 6, 2025
The Ukrainian Navy has increasingly utilized its fleet of USVs for diverse operations. Historically, these vessels have been deployed as kamikaze devices and reconnaissance platforms. Notably, in March 2024, Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence reported that USVs operated by the Group 13 special unit struck and sank the 1,300-ton Russian patrol ship Sergei Kotov.
More recently, the Magura V5 USV has been equipped with R-73 air-to-air missiles retrofitted for surface launch, a configuration nicknamed “Sea Dragon.” Just recently, the USV engaged two Russian Mi-8 helicopters. Footage released by Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense shows one helicopter deploying flares in an unsuccessful attempt to evade a heat-seeking missile.
The ability of Ukrainian USVs to act as FPV drone motherships was first demonstrated in December 2024. On December 7, the Ukrainian Navy launched a coordinated attack on Russian-controlled gas platforms in the Black Sea. Video footage released by the Commander of the Ukrainian Navy showed Magura drones deploying FPV drones that executed kamikaze strikes on the upper levels of the platforms.
Ukrainian Navy unmanned attack boats have gained a significant upgrade, and are now able to serve as drone motherships.
Last night, Ukrainian USVs carrying FPV drones attacked Russian-controlled gas platforms in the Black Sea, heavily damaging several. pic.twitter.com/1s9VTLu98G
— OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) December 7, 2024
The Magura V5, developed by SpetsTechnoExport, is a versatile USV with a range of up to 833 kilometers and a top speed of 42 knots. Initially designed for reconnaissance and kamikaze missions, the Magura V5 has been instrumental in multiple high-profile attacks on Russian vessels in the Black Sea. It has previously sunk corvettes, patrol boats, and landing ships, significantly depleting the operational strength of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet.
The Pantsir-S1 systems are part of Russia’s short-range air defense network. These systems are valued at approximately $15 million each and are often stationed far from the frontlines to safeguard them from potential drone strikes. The destruction of Pantsir systems is relatively rare, with most having been relocated to rear areas to protect strategic facilities.
According to the Oryx monitoring project, Russia has lost 27 Pantsir systems since the start of the full-scale invasion, including 22 destroyed, three damaged, and two captured by Ukrainian forces.
Intact Pantsir S1 captured by Ukrainians near Bashtanka pic.twitter.com/lAom7PMwQQ
— Illia Ponomarenko 🇺🇦 (@IAPonomarenko) March 4, 2022
The Osa short-range air defense system, also targeted in this operation, is a highly mobile Soviet-era design still in use by multiple countries, including Russia and Ukraine. The Osa system has proven effective against drones, contributing to Ukraine’s reduced use of its Bayraktar drones.
SOFX has not independently verified the video or the claims made by the Ukrainian Navy regarding the strikes. At the time of writing, no official statement has been issued by the Russian Ministry of Defense concerning the reported destruction of the Pantsir-S1 and Osa air defense systems.
