Russian Lancet drone disables Ukrainian IRIS-T SLM's air defense capabilities by destroying its radar

The Russian army continues to destroy tanks and air defense systems donated to Ukraine by European countries and the United States using Lancet drone loitering munition. A recent video published on Social Networks showed the attack by a Russian Lancet drone loitering munition of a TRML-4D radar, used by the German-made IRIS-T SLM air defense missile system of the Ukrainian army. Without its TRML-4D radar, the Iris-T SLM cannot be used.
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According to a video released on Social Network, Russia has disabled the air defense capabilities of Ukrainian IRIS-T SLM by destroying its radar. (Picture source Video footage Screenshot )

All modern military equipment coming from allies and supplied to the Ukrainian army are considered as top priority targets for Russian armed forces. The Lancet drone, known for its capability to hover over an area before homing in on its target, is evidently a powerful weapon in Russia's arsenal, as shown by its successful attack on the TRML-4D radar.

A typical single IRIS-T SLM system consists of three mobile launchers, a truck-mounted multi-function radar, and another truck modified into a command post vehicle. The TRML-4D radar is designed for near- to long-range ground-to-air detection and for weapon assignment. It is capable of detecting, tracking, and classifying various types of air targets, with a particular emphasis on small, fast, and low-flying and/or maneuvering cruise missiles and aircraft and hovering helicopters.

The German-made IRIS-T SLM, a sophisticated air defense missile system, relies heavily on its TRML-4D radar for operation. The radar's destruction effectively renders the missile system useless, thereby dealing a significant blow to the Ukrainian army's defense capabilities.

This military strategy illuminates Russia's focused effort to dismantle Ukraine's most modern defense systems, prioritizing those donated by European countries and the United States.

A military expert commented on the event, stating, "The strike against the TRML-4D radar is indicative of Russia's plan to disarm Ukraine's defense capabilities systematically. Without the TRML-4D radar, the IRIS-T SLM system cannot operate, thereby crippling a significant part of Ukraine's air defense."

The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine is seeing an escalation not just in terms of intensity, but also in the adoption of advanced weaponry. In particular, the use of drone loitering munitions is notably on the rise, marking a shift in modern warfare tactics and strategies.

Loitering munitions, also known as suicide drones, have been increasingly deployed by the Russian army. The Lancet drone, a prominent example, is designed to loiter over a specific area for extended periods before identifying and striking its target. The recent targeting of the Ukrainian army's modern military equipment, donated by European countries and the United States, underscores this new tactic.

This shift toward drone warfare is changing the dynamics of the battlefield. With the ability to linger in the air before striking, these drones can effectively neutralize high-value targets, offering strategic advantage to the deploying forces. Moreover, their use reduces the risk of human casualties on the side of the aggressor, further appealing to military strategists.

A military analyst stated, "The rise in the use of loitering munitions is a testament to the evolving nature of warfare. With advancements in drone technology, forces can now deliver precise strikes against critical enemy assets with reduced risk to their own personnel."

In the face of these challenges, the Ukrainian army, along with its international allies, will need to adapt its defense strategies to counter these advanced threats. The developments in this conflict may well serve as a case study for future engagements in this new era of drone warfare.