According to Bild journalist Julian Röpcke, it has been confirmed that a Russian drone destroyed a high-tech TRML-4D radar valued at 17 million euros ($18.2 million). This radar was one of the three copies held by Ukraine and was part of the German IRIS-T anti-aircraft defense system.
The video released by the Russian Defense Ministry shows the attack from the perspective of a surveillance drone and another kamikaze drone, where a launcher of the German interceptor system can be seen covered by trees in a rural landscape. Then, the radar of the mobile system is shown hidden between another line of trees. At that moment, a Russian kamikaze drone, presumably the Lancet, is sent to the site by a military operator.
The video even shows a military man above the cockpit of the radar-carrying vehicle, suggesting that he was aware of the attack. After the drone strike, a group of military personnel flees the scene as the radar emits smoke. Later images indicate that the area was also hit by artillery fire.
Journalist Röpcke notes that although the remaining modules of the system were not damaged, they are useless for the time being, as each IRIS-T unit must be connected to at least one TRML-4D radar to function as a defensive weapon.
The article also highlights a “chain of fatal errors” that led to the destruction of the radar. First, the anti-aircraft system was installed too close to the front line, at only 26 kilometers, which put it within range of the Lancet drones, which have a range of 40 kilometers. In addition, the system’s camouflage in a desert pattern drew attention rather than blending in with the Ukrainian landscape. Finally, the radar was unprotected and close to the front without any additional defense system, revealing a negligent attitude on the part of the IRIS-T crew.
The TRML-4D radar, manufactured by Hensoldt, has the capability to simultaneously detect and track up to 1,500 flying objects at an altitude of up to 30 kilometers. It has a maximum range of 250 kilometers (150 kilometers for aircraft and 60 kilometers for supersonic missiles).