Russia scrambles air defence from Crimea amid Ukraine strikes
Russians are fleeing from Crimea. The local military is relocating air defence systems to Russia due to fears of Ukrainian attacks, reports Defense Express, citing findings from the Atesh partisan movement.
The Russian military command has started withdrawing some missile systems from Crimea to Russia. This decision results from increased attacks by Ukrainian armed forces on fuel depots and military infrastructure in Russia. This information was provided by the Atesh partisan movement, which regularly reports on the actions of the Russian Federation and cites its agent within the Russian armed forces.
Critical gaps in Crimea's defence
Ukrainian long-range drone attacks demonstrate that Putin's regime is unable to protect military facilities in Belgorod, Kursk, Voronezh, and other regions of Russia. Losses in fuel warehouses and logistics hubs have reached a critical level, potentially impacting the military's ability to supply fuel.
Defense Express notes that relocating air defence systems, particularly those from the 31st Air Defence Division, creates critical gaps in the defence of Crimea. This makes airports, military depots, and the Crimean Bridge more vulnerable to attacks. Atesh highlights that the occupiers have no other choice, despite being aware of the risks.
The Atesh movement claims that their agents have played a key role in weakening the occupying forces. "This is just the beginning. We know the enemy is weak, and now favourable conditions are being created to completely defeat them," reads the statement.
Russians move equipment from Crimea
Atesh does not specify which systems are being withdrawn from Crimea, but previous observations confirm that the main complexes operating in this area are the Pantsir-S1 and S-300/400 systems.
Recall that the S-400 system is capable of simultaneously tracking up to 80 targets and guiding up to 160 missiles. It can engage objects up to 400 kilometres away and at altitudes up to 30 kilometres. This system is effective in combating both aircraft and ballistic missiles.
On the other hand, the S-300, despite using older technology, remains effective in air defence. It can monitor 100 targets simultaneously and strike targets up to 200 kilometres away at altitudes up to 27 kilometres, with S-300 missiles reaching speeds up to 8,000 km/h.
The Pantsir-S1 combines the functions of missile and artillery systems. It is equipped with 30 mm cannons, with a firing speed of 2,500 rounds per minute, allowing the destruction of targets from a distance of 4 kilometres. The missile portion consists of 12 launchers, capable of targeting objects 20 kilometres away and at altitudes up to 15 kilometres. This system is additionally equipped with two radars for detecting and tracking targets.
