Russian Tor-M2 Air Defense System Destroys Storm Shadow Missile in Kharkiv Oblast.

According to information published by the Russian Ministry of Defense on July 20, 2024, the Tor-M2 also NATO code-named SA-15D, a Russian-made air defense missile system of the Zapad Battlegroup, destroyed a Storm Shadow cruise missile over Kupyansk, a city in Kharkiv Oblast, Ukraine.
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The TOR-M2, also NATO code-named SA-15D, is a Russian-made air defense missile system able to intercept fixed-wing aircraft, rotary-wing aircraft (helicopters), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), cruise missiles, and precision-guided munitions. (Picture source: Unian.net)

The Russian Special Battalion Zapad is a Spetsnaz unit of the GRU, the military intelligence agency of Russia, based in Chechnya.

"Recently, we shot down an unmanned aerial vehicle of the Portuguese Tekever type, a reconnaissance drone of the Furia and Leleka types, a Storm Shadow cruise missile, and a HIMARS with extended range," said the Russian operator of the Tor-M2. "The Storm Shadow flies along the usual trajectory of a cruise missile, making it a good target for the Tor-M2. The missile was hit by the very first shot," he added.

The United Kingdom and France have delivered Storm Shadow/SCALP EG missiles to Ukraine. These deliveries are part of the military assistance provided to Ukraine to bolster its defense capabilities in the ongoing conflict. The addition of these advanced long-range cruise missiles allows Ukraine to conduct precision strikes against strategic and well-defended targets.

The Storm Shadow/SCALP EG is a long-range, air-launched cruise missile developed by MBDA, designed for high-precision strikes against well-defended, high-value targets. It originated from a collaborative effort between the United Kingdom and France, with MBDA as the primary contractor. The missile has different variants, including the Storm Shadow used by the UK and the SCALP EG (Emploi Général) used by France, with other versions adapted for various platforms and requirements.

The missile is approximately 5.1 meters (16.7 feet) in length and weighs around 1,300 kilograms (2,866 pounds). It has a range of over 250 kilometers (155 miles), though this can vary depending on the specific version and operational use. The Storm Shadow/SCALP EG is equipped with a BROACH (Bomb Royal Ordnance Augmented CHarge) warhead, which combines a penetrator and a blast/fragmentation charge to destroy hardened and buried targets effectively.

The TOR-M2 is a modern short-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system developed by Russia, designed to engage a variety of aerial targets. Its combat capabilities include providing air defense against fixed-wing aircraft, rotary-wing aircraft (helicopters), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), cruise missiles, and precision-guided munitions. Equipped with advanced radar and missile guidance systems, the TOR-M2 can detect, track, and engage multiple targets simultaneously, even in complex electronic warfare environments.

The TOR-M2 can engage targets at ranges of up to 12-15 kilometers (7.5-9.3 miles), depending on the specific variant and operational conditions. It can effectively intercept targets flying at altitudes ranging from 10 meters (33 feet) to 10,000 meters (32,800 feet). The system is highly mobile, typically mounted on a tracked or wheeled vehicle chassis, allowing it to move quickly with advancing or retreating forces. This mobility ensures that the system can be deployed rapidly to different locations as needed, providing flexible and responsive air defense coverage.

The Russian TOR-M2 continues to be a highly effective short-range surface-to-air missile system that plays a crucial role in the war in Ukraine. Its ability to engage a wide variety of targets, including aircraft, helicopters, UAVs, and precision-guided munitions, makes it a versatile and valuable asset in contemporary air defense. The system's advanced radar and guidance technology enable it to track and simultaneously engage multiple targets, even in challenging electronic warfare environments. With its mobility, all-weather operational capability, and resistance to electronic countermeasures, the TOR-M2 ensures reliable protection for military assets and critical infrastructure, enhancing overall defense capabilities against sophisticated and diverse aerial threats.