Ukraine Destroys Key Russian Radar System in Zaporizhzhia
Ukrainian forces have recently destroyed a Russian Kasta-2E2 radar system in the Zaporizhzhia region, marking a significant blow to Russia’s surveillance capabilities. The strike, carried out on March 1, 2026, utilized drones and highlights a growing trend of targeting electronic warfare assets in the ongoing conflict.
Strategic Importance of the Kasta-2E2 Radar
The Kasta-2E2 (also known as 35N6) radar system is designed to detect low-altitude targets, including drones, cruise missiles, and aircraft attempting to evade long-range radar detection. As noted by Technology.org, whereas not Russia’s most expensive or strategically critical radar, its destruction has important implications, particularly in a region where Ukrainian forces are advancing.
How the Strike Was Executed
The operation was a joint effort between Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces and Special Operations Forces. According to United24media, aerial reconnaissance was conducted by the 414th Separate Brigade, and the radar was disabled using compact FPV drones. This demonstrates a tactical focus on targeting specialized Russian hardware with unmanned aircraft.
Kasta-2E2 Capabilities and Impact of its Destruction
The Kasta-2E2 is a mobile, two-coordinate radar station capable of detecting up to 20 targets per minute. It can identify objects at altitudes as low as 100 meters within a 44-kilometer radius, and at heights up to 6,000 meters at a distance of 115 kilometers. By eliminating this radar, Ukrainian forces reduce Russia’s ability to monitor low-flying threats and improve their own ability to launch successful attacks.
Broader Implications for the Conflict
The destruction of the Kasta-2E2 radar is part of a broader pattern of both sides targeting each other’s sensing and surveillance capabilities. Ukraine’s efforts to eliminate Russia’s radar systems are crucial for preventing Russia from preparing its own attacks and reclaiming territory. The utilize of drones, as highlighted in multiple reports, is becoming increasingly prevalent in these operations. Defence-UA reports that the SHARK UAV was used to locate the radar before it was neutralized.
Recent Developments
This strike follows other successful Ukrainian operations targeting Russian military assets. In addition to radar systems, mobile artillery is also being systematically targeted across the eastern front.