Videos have appeared on the network that demonstrate the attack of a kamikaze drone on one of the most modern anti-aircraft systems of Ukraine. In particular, the target of the attack was the TRML-4D radar on the IRIS-T short-range anti-aircraft complex, one of the few or even the only Ukrainian radar of its kind at the moment.

Using the Zala Lancet kamikaze drone, the Russians allegedly hit the TRML-4D mobile multipurpose radar, which is part of the IRIS-T anti-aircraft complex.

Footage released by the Russians shows the radar being spotted and taken down from above the drone, and the kamikaze drone targeting and heading straight for it.

The footage of both the regular drone and the kamikaze drone does not show the exact moment of collision or the location of the explosion, the footage is pasted in a different sequence, but images after the alleged explosion show that the vehicle with the corresponding radar appears to have been damaged.

A damaged radar can significantly limit the effectiveness of IRIS-T systems in Ukraine

Since such radars are complex and highly sensitive equipment, they can be damaged quite easily, even without a direct hit by an explosive charge. From the images after the attack, it can be assumed that the radar system may have been damaged. To what extent, however, it is not clear – whether it is serious, which cannot be fixed, or whether it is a breakdown that Ukrainians can fix in time.

In any case, without this radar, a system like IRIS-T remains non-functional. Moreover, it is possible that this TRML-4D radar is currently the only one Ukraine has received, writes The Drive.

At the time of writing, the German government’s official website for military aid to Ukraine indicates that only one TRML-4D radar has been delivered. However, Germany has promised seven more, which the official said have not yet been delivered.

However, it should be noted that Germany has sent two complete IRIS-T systems, which we assume include radars.

In any case, the total number of TRML-4D radars in Ukraine is quite small, so the failure of such a system will greatly affect the effectiveness with which Ukraine can use IRIS-T anti-aircraft systems.

IRIS-T anti-aircraft missile complex

Ukraine received the first IRIS-T system in October last year.

According to the German federal government, the IRIS-T system is Germany’s most advanced air defense system, which is being developed by the German company Diehl Defence.

Anti-aircraft missiles can hit targets at an altitude of up to 20 kilometers and at a distance of up to 40 kilometers. Thus, their range is much greater than, for example, shoulder-based anti-aircraft missiles, such as the Stinger anti-aircraft missiles, which Germany also supplies to Ukraine.

Each system costs 140 million euros, diplomat Andrii Melnyk said in June, according to Bloomberg.

The IRIS-T system includes vehicles with vertical launchers, a command post and a TRML-4D multi-purpose mobile radar, which also functions to detect targets and guide interceptor missiles.

ZALA KYB and Lancet kamikaze drones used by Russia

The most used kamikaze drones in Russia are called ZALA KYB or Lancet, they are a type of “homeless munitions” – remotely piloted aircraft that can stay in the air for a long time and deliberately crash into groups of enemies or military equipment.

ZALA KYB drones are produced by Zala Aero, a subsidiary of the Kalashnikov Group. They can carry up to 3 kg of cargo (sensors and explosives), fly below the radar, with an autonomy of more than half an hour, a range of about 40 km and can reach a speed of 130 km/h.

Zala Aero also manufactures drones Lancet hall, a newer model that still has a range of about 40 km, but with more configurations available and can carry between 1 kg and 3 kg of explosives. The Lancet model is said to have a dive speed of over 300 km/h, which is much higher than other kamikaze models.