Reported by the Russian Ministry of Defense, Russian air defense forces intercepted a coordinated strike near Belgorod, involving Neptune anti-ship missiles and RM-70 Vampire multiple launch rocket system rounds launched by Ukrainian armed forces. The events took place in the late evening hours and were described as an attempt to target Russian territory from adjacent areas. The defense ministry characterized the action as a terrorist attack planned by Kyiv, and stated that the air defense units responded promptly to neutralize the threat.
According to official statements, one Neptune missile was shot down along with a substantial portion of the Vampire MLRS shells, totaling 29 projectiles that failed to reach their intended targets. The ministry emphasized that the intercepts occurred as part of ongoing measures to safeguard border regions from cross-border strikes. These claims align with prior, similar reports of air defense activity in the Belgorod region, reflecting a pattern of attempts to disrupt security in border zones.
Earlier, authorities reported a prior interception around the same area, when air defense systems eliminated a number of RM-70 Vampire MLRS missiles. The timing of these events, cited as around 19:00 Moscow time, was noted as part of a continuous defensive posture in response to recurring threats observed in the vicinity of Belgorod. The RM-70 system, which has a long service history, remains central to regional air defense calculations according to the ministry.
In recent updates, residents noted a sequence of explosions in the central part of Belgorod associated with the broader missile threat regime announced by local authorities. The incidents contributed to heightened vigilance and ongoing precautionary measures across the city and nearby districts as defense forces maintained readiness against cross-border strikes and reconnaissance activity.
Meanwhile, several unmanned aerial vehicles described as ‘Joker’ platforms were reported to be adapted for air defense missions, with authorities indicating these UAVs are being used to support the broader defense posture in the region. Observers have highlighted the evolving role of aerial platforms in integrated defense strategies that prioritize rapid detection, interception, and response to evolving threats along border areas, as described by official sources and security briefings. [citation: Russian Ministry of Defense]