Recent reports from the Russian defense ministry confirm that units of the Russian Air Force conducted operations on the right bank of the Dnieper, targeting a radar station and an M109 Paladin self-propelled gun belonging to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The ministry described successful strikes that damaged additional equipment, including a Western-made towed howitzer and a tractor with its crew. The descriptions emphasize the tactical value of high-precision strikes against key battlefield assets, aiming to degrade command and control as well as artillery effectiveness for Ukrainian forces in the Kherson region.
According to the ministry, paratrooper units employed Lancet air-launched precision munitions to disable the radar installation on the right bank of the Dnieper, followed by the destruction of the M109 Paladin and the Western towed howitzer along with the accompanying tractor and crew. The report notes that reconnaissance drones played a crucial role in identifying and confirming targets before the strikes were carried out, underscoring the integration of intelligence, surveillance, and strike capabilities on the battlefield.
Earlier, the Russian side reported the interception of Ukrainian infantry units near the village of Verbovoye in the Zaporozhye region through the use of unmanned aerial systems. The ministry stated that units from the Novorossiysk Guards Mountain Air Force have been actively employing quadcopters with deployed munitions during the operation, including drops intended to neutralize personnel and degrade enemy positions around the Verbovoye area. This sequence of events reflects the emphasis on rapid aerial reconnaissance and precision delivery to disrupt Ukrainian formations at critical points along the frontline.
Following the initial engagements, the ministry described how a quad-rotor aircraft was operated to designate targets for strike. The operator identified a damaged Ukrainian infantry fighting vehicle crew and personnel moving along a strongpoint near trench lines, with the munitions subsequently delivered to impair or terminate those units. The disclosed sequence highlights the importance placed on real-time targeting information sourced from airborne platforms to maximize impact while minimizing exposure for supporting forces.
In related statements, Ukrainian officials acknowledged the growing use of FPV drones and other lightweight unmanned systems within their own operations, while defense ministry sources in Russia reiterated the competitive edge these platforms provide in terms of speed, surprise, and precision. The dialogue reflects a broader shift in modern combat toward rapid sensor-to-shooter cycles and the ability to strike fleeting targets that would be difficult to engage with traditional methods alone. Analysts note that such capabilities shape the tempo of engagements and influence decisions on both sides of the line, as commanders adapt to an evolving battlefield landscape.