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Ukraine’s 19th Missile brigade Details Early Invasion Strikes with Tochka-U Systems
Table of Contents
Publication Date: 2025/11/11 03:02:36
Key Points
- The 19th Missile Brigade described how Tochka-U systems were used in the first days of the invasion to strike Russian forces when Ukraine lacked other long-range precision weapons.
- Units conducted mobile launches across multiple regions, targeting airfields, supply lines and armored columns.
For the anniversary of its formation, the Ukrainian 19th Missile Brigade “Saint Barbara” has disclosed details of its operations during the first days of Russia’s full-scale invasion.
Commanders and participants described how the brigade used Soviet-era Tochka-U missile systems to strike key Russian targets at a time when Ukraine lacked long-range precision weapons.
In February 2022, Russia announced what it called “military exercises,” which then transitioned into a large-scale invasion across multiple axes. At that time, Ukraine had limited long-range strike capabilities. Artillery could reach about 40 kilometers, rocket artillery up to 70 kilometers but with area effects, Neptune missiles existed only for coastal defense, and there were no long-range precision strike systems like HIMARS or Storm Shadow available. This created a critical gap in ukraine’s ability to effectively counter the Russian advance.
The Role of the Tochka-U in the Initial Defense
The Tochka-U (NATO designation SS-21 Scarab) is a Soviet-designed short-range ballistic missile. While not a modern precision-guided weapon by today’s standards, it offered a meaningful capability for Ukraine in those early days.It has a range of approximately 185 kilometers (115 miles) and can carry a 480 kg (1,060 lb) warhead. The Missile Defense Project provides detailed specifications and background on the system.
According to the 19th Brigade’s account, the Tochka-U systems were deployed in a highly mobile manner, moving frequently to avoid counter-battery fire. They targeted a range of high-value targets, including:
- Airfields: Disrupting Russian air operations by targeting aircraft on the ground.
- Supply Lines: Attacking logistical hubs and convoys to slow the Russian advance.
- Armored Columns: Striking concentrations of Russian tanks and armored vehicles.
Challenges and Limitations
The brigade acknowledged the challenges of using the Tochka-U system. Its accuracy was limited compared to modern precision-guided munitions, requiring careful target selection and possibly increasing the risk of collateral damage. Moreover, the system relied on outdated navigation technology, making it vulnerable to jamming and electronic warfare.Despite these limitations, the Tochka-U provided a crucial capability in the critical early stages of the conflict.
Impact and Importance
The 19th Missile Brigade’s actions highlight the ingenuity and resilience of the Ukrainian armed forces in the face of a much larger and better-equipped adversary. by effectively utilizing available assets, they were able to inflict significant damage on Russian forces and contribute to the defense of Ukraine. The use of the Tochka-U,while a stopgap measure,bought valuable time for Ukraine to receive more advanced weaponry from its allies,such as the