Analysis: What is the 64N6 'Tombstone' Radar Destroyed by Ukraine's ATACMS Missile Strike?.

The 64N6 "Tombstone" radar, a critical element of Russia's S-300 and S-400 air defense missile systems, was recently destroyed by Ukrainian forces in a precision strike using U.S.-supplied ATACMS missiles. This radar is a surveillance tool and a cornerstone of Russia’s air defense network, designed to detect, track, and manage aerial threats across vast distances. Its destruction marks a significant blow to the Russian military, as it directly undermines the effectiveness of one of its most formidable surface-to-air missile systems.
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The 64N6 'Tombstone' Radar, a pivotal component of Russia's S-300 air defense system, known for its long-range surveillance and threat management capabilities. Overlayed is an image vignette of the radar's aftermath, destroyed by a precision Ukrainian ATACMS missile strike, highlighting the impact of modern warfare on critical defense infrastructure.  (Picture source: Mix Army Recognition Group/Telegram)

The 64N6, NATO designation Tombstone is a long-range, three-dimensional phased-array radar operating in the S-band frequency, making it highly effective in detecting aerodynamic and ballistic targets. With a maximum detection range of approximately 300 kilometers, the radar can monitor and identify threats well beyond the immediate engagement zone of the S-300 PM air defense missile systems family. It can simultaneously track up to 100 targets, including fast-moving fighter aircraft, low-flying cruise missiles, and high-speed ballistic projectiles. This multitasking capability ensures that the S-300 PM system can respond to multiple threats in a highly dynamic combat environment.

A key feature of the 64N6 radar is its phased-array antenna, which allows for rapid and precise scanning of airspace. This technology enables the radar to continuously track targets accurately while resisting electronic countermeasures, such as jamming. Mounted on a semi-trailer, the radar is mobile and can be deployed quickly, ensuring that it remains operational despite shifting battlefield dynamics.

The 64N6 radar is important because it acts as the "eyes" of the S-300PM/PMU-1 system. It acts as the primary sensor for target acquisition and feeds real-time data to the command post, which coordinates the engagement of threats using the system’s missiles. Without the 64N6, the S-300 system is effectively blind, unable to detect or engage incoming threats with the same level of precision. This makes the radar a high-value target in any conflict where disrupting enemy air defenses is a priority.

For Ukraine, destroying the 64N6 radar represents a major tactical victory. By neutralizing this critical component, Ukrainian forces have significantly degraded Russia's regional air defense capabilities. This creates opportunities for Ukrainian drones, missiles, and aircraft to operate with reduced risk, enabling more effective strikes against other strategic targets. The use of ATACMS missiles for this operation highlights the strategic importance of such targets. With their extended range and precision, ATACMS missiles are ideally suited for striking high-value assets like the 64N6 from well behind the front lines.

The loss of the 64N6 radar also creates long-term challenges for Russia. Replacing such a sophisticated and expensive system requires significant time, resources, and logistical coordination. This delays Russia's ability to restore full air defense coverage in the area, leaving critical infrastructure and military assets vulnerable to future attacks.

From a broader perspective, the destruction of the 64N6 radar underscores the evolving nature of modern warfare, where targeting critical nodes in an enemy’s air defense network can shift the operational balance. For Ukraine, this successful strike demonstrates not only its growing capability to counter advanced Russian technology but also the strategic value of leveraging Western-supplied precision-guided munitions to achieve high-impact results. As the conflict continues, operations like this will likely play a pivotal role in shaping the battlefield dynamics and weakening Russia's overall defensive posture.