Ukrainian soldiers successfully destroyed a second battery of Russia’s state-of-the-art S-400 air defense missile system. Detailed images, posted to Telegram on July 15, 2023, showed the destruction of a 5P85SM2 TEL (Transporter Erector Launcher) truck along with a 92N6A multifunctional radar. The photographs, first published by Ukraine Weapons Tracker, are the first report of the destruction of the 92N6A radar, an essential component of the S-400 battery.
Citing information from open sources, since the beginning of the war, the Ukrainian armed forces have destroyed several components of the Russian S-400 air defense missile systems, including 2 5P85SM2-01 TEL (Transporter Erector Launcher) trucks, 1 post control unit 55K6A and 1 multifunctional radar 92N6A.
The Russian S-400 Triumph air defense system, known as the SA-21 Growler in NATO reporting, is one of the world’s most sophisticated long-range anti-aircraft systems. It can track and neutralize various air targets, including reconnaissance aircraft and ballistic missiles, at a range of up to 400 kilometers (248.5 miles). Thus, the S-400 represents a critical asset to any force that deploys it.
In the context of the Ukrainian counteroffensive against Russian forces, the destruction of the S-400 system would have major strategic implications. For one thing, by disabling the S-400, Ukrainian forces could regain some level of air superiority. This would allow them to execute more effective aerial reconnaissance missions and airstrikes while significantly reducing the risk of being shot down. In addition, it would generally provide them with greater operational freedom and a reduced threat of air strikes.
On the other hand, the S-400 is considered a high-value target, the destruction of which could provide valuable intelligence. If any part of the system were captured intact, it could reveal revealing information about how the system works, possibly offering ways to counter its threat in the future further.
The 5P85SM2 is the TEL vehicle used within the Russian S-400 Triumph air defense system. It is one of the key components in the operation of the S-400 system.
As part of the S-400 system, the 5P85SM2 is tasked with launching the system’s various surface-to-air missiles. Each 5P85SM2 transporter erector launcher (TEL) vehicle can carry up to four missile pods, allowing the S-400 system to deal with multiple threats at the same time.
The 5P85SM2, like other elements of the S-400 system, is designed for mobility, allowing the system to be quickly deployed in various locations. This allows the S-400 to provide highly effective and flexible air defense coverage.
92N6A is the designation for the “Grave Stone” multi-mode engagement radar that is part of the Russian S-400 Triumph air defense system. The radar detects, tracks, and provides targeting information for the S-400’s surface-to-air missiles.
The 92N6A is a key component of the S-400 system, as it is responsible for detecting and tracking potential threats, as well as guiding the system’s missiles to their targets. The radar has a range of several hundred kilometers. It can track a large number of targets simultaneously, making it a crucial part of the S-400’s ability to engage a wide range of threats and protect large areas from potential aerial attacks.
The radar system can operate in all weather conditions, day and night, and is highly resistant to jamming, making it a robust and reliable part of the S-400 system. Its destruction or neutralization could severely affect the operational effectiveness of an S-400 battery. As of my last training data in September 2021, the 92N6A was an integral part of the S-400 system. Any updates or changes to this information would be beyond my current knowledge.
Alain Henry de Frahan
