Ukraine is using drones to strike key Russian military equipment in a cost-effective way.
A recent operation targeted a 1L219 Zoopark-1 artillery radar, a critical tool for Russia’s battlefield awareness.
Ukrainian forces shared a video of the attack, carried out using four long-range FPV (First Person View) drones. The destruction of this radar shows how effective and innovative Ukraine’s drone strategy has become.
The Zoopark-1 radar was located and destroyed by drones costing approximately 100,000 hryvnias ($2,700), according to WP.
In comparison, the radar itself is valued at nearly one million hryvnias ($27,000). This massive cost difference is a major advantage for Ukraine. It allows the military to deliver significant damage at a fraction of the cost.
Calculates Trajectory of Incoming Missiles
The 1L219 Zoopark-1 is one of Russia’s most important military tools. Known as the “eyes and ears” of the army, it tracks enemy artillery positions and helps guide Russian counterattacks.
It also calculates the trajectory of incoming missiles, monitors drone activity, and scans the airspace for threats. Losing this radar limits Russia’s ability to respond quickly to attacks.
Developed in the 1980s and introduced in 1992, the Zoopark-1 was designed by NNIIRT, a subsidiary of the Russian defense company Almaz-Antey.
The radar scans a 60° vertical and 40° horizontal range. It can detect artillery positions at distances of 10 to 35 kilometers, depending on the weapon.
This information is sent to Russian artillery units, allowing precise strikes against enemy targets.
The radar system is mounted on two vehicle types. One uses a tracked MT-LB armored vehicle, while the other is built on an eight-wheeled BAZ-6909 truck.
Both vehicles protect the crew from gunfire and shrapnel. The MT-LB is amphibious, while the BAZ-6909 has a range of 500 kilometers and a top speed of 65 km/h.
