Ukrainian Forces destroy a key 96L6E Cheese Board radar to reduce Russian air defense effectiveness.

As reported by the Ukrainian Land Forces on January 27, 2025, Ukrainian forces have destroyed a Russian 96L6E radar system, an integral part of the S-300 and S-400 air defense systems, in a HIMARS strike reportedly conducted while the radar was in transit. This radar provides high-altitude and medium-range detection, tracking aerial targets such as aircraft, helicopters, UAVs, and missiles, and supporting target prioritization within air defense operations. Its destruction reduces the detection and tracking capabilities of the S-300 and S-400 systems, potentially affecting their operational effectiveness.
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Nicknamed "Cheese Board" by NATO, the 96L6E radar provides high-altitude and medium-range detection for the Russian S-300 and S-400 air defense systems, tracks aerial targets such as aircraft, helicopters, UAVs, and missiles, and supports target prioritization in air defense operations. (Picture source: Russian social media and Ukrainian Land Forces)

The 96L6E radar plays a vital role in high-altitude and medium-range detection for the S-300 and S-400 systems. It identifies and tracks aerial targets such as aircraft, helicopters, UAVs, and missiles, providing data on speed, altitude, and direction. This data enables missile systems to prioritize and engage targets efficiently. The radar also enhances early warning and situational awareness in integrated air defense operations.

Nicknamed "Cheese Board" by NATO, the radar was developed by Almaz-Antey Air Defense Concern. It was first showcased at the MAKS air show in 2001, entered serial production in 2005, and joined Russian service in 2008. Manufactured by the Lianozovsky Electromechanical Plant, it is deployed in various regions, including Moscow and its surroundings, and is also used by export clients such as Vietnam to support upgraded S-300 systems.

The 96L6E radar has a detection range of 5 to 300 kilometers and an altitude ceiling of 100 kilometers. It can simultaneously track and classify up to 100 targets, providing detailed azimuth, elevation, and range measurements. Operating in the C-band, it features phased array antennas with electronic beam steering. Information updates occur every 6 seconds for low-altitude targets and 12 seconds for high-altitude targets. It operates in diverse environmental conditions and can function autonomously or as part of an integrated air defense system. Deployment times are 5 minutes for a single-unit setup and 30 minutes for a two-unit configuration.

The radar integrates with S-300PMU, S-300PMU-1, S-300PMU-2, and S-400 systems, and connects to automated control systems such as Baikal-1E, Senezh-M1E, and Osnova-1E. This enhances its operational versatility within broader air defense networks. Destroying the 96L6E radar reduces the S-300 and S-400 systems’ ability to detect and track targets. Without this radar, these systems face significant challenges in airspace monitoring and engaging threats at varying altitudes, leading to potential coverage gaps. The incident also underscores the risks of transporting critical military assets in contested zones, highlighting the need to secure such systems during operations.

Ukraine’s efforts to degrade Russia's air defense capabilities are part of a broader strategy to enhance both defensive and offensive operations. By targeting Russian air defense systems, Ukraine seeks to reduce Russia’s capacity to conduct aerial attacks, thereby lessening threats to Ukrainian forces and civilian areas. These actions also aim to create operational opportunities for Ukrainian air and ground forces by weakening Russian air defenses. Strikes deep into Russian territory, including attacks on military and economic targets, aim to disrupt operations, inflict economic damage, and strain Russia’s air defenses by forcing them to cover extensive areas. Beyond physical damage, these efforts serve psychological objectives, undermining Russian morale and demonstrating the reach of Ukrainian forces. Ultimately, these operations aim to diminish Russia’s aerial superiority, leveling the battlefield and enhancing Ukraine’s ability to defend its territory and launch counteroffensives.