Ukraine Reportedly Captured an Intact S-300 Air Defense System – A few months back, videos were circulated across social media that showed a Russian S-300 (NATO reporting name SA-10 Grumble) mobile air-defense system driving down a dirt road in Ukraine.
The sight of such a platform probably isn’t all that special as it is operated by both sides in the ongoing conflict.
However, what made the viral video especially noteworthy is that it has been claimed the particular launcher was captured fully intact by Ukrainian forces shortly after the New Year.
S-300: What Is It?
While no one has completely confirmed the details, as best as our own in-house experts can tell, the video did appear real at the time.
If confirmed, it would apparently be the first time Kyiv’s forces have captured one of Moscow’s air defense systems.
The S-300 system was initially developed during the Cold War to defend against air raids and cruise missiles for the Soviet Air Defence Forces.
Subsequent variations of the mobile air defense platform were also developed to be able to intercept ballistic missiles.
The S-300 system was first deployed by the Soviet Armed Forces in 1979, designed for the air defense of military bases and large industrial and administrative facilities, as well as control of airspace against enemy strike aircraft.
S-300. Image Credit: Russian Ministry of Defense.
S-300 Missile Firing. Image Credit: Russian Military.
A number have been modified by Russian forces to perform surface-to-surface strikes, and the S-300 has been among the missile systems used to target Ukrainian urban centers and critical infrastructure.
Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, Ukraine maintained a number of the S-300 launchers in service.
Russia’s S-400 Air Defense System. Image: Russian Military.
S-400 Triumf air defence system transporter erector launcher
Following Russia’s invasion, Kyiv received an additional battery from Slovakia, but the capture of an intact system could further bolster Ukraine’s air defenses.
Ukrainians captured an intact S-300 air defense system. pic.twitter.com/B6tgwopi2d
— Igor Sushko (@igorsushko) January 4, 2023
Author Experience and Expertise: A Senior Editor for 19FortyFive, Peter Suciu is a Michigan-based writer. He has contributed to more than four dozen magazines, newspapers, and websites with over 3,200 published pieces over a twenty-year career in journalism. He regularly writes about military hardware, firearms history, cybersecurity, politics, and international affairs. Peter is also a Contributing Writer for Forbes and Clearance Jobs. You can follow him on Twitter: @PeterSuciu.
