Ukraine deploys S-125 SAM system close to Russia

Ukraine has deployed the S-125 surface-to-air missile (SAM) system in the country’s northeastern Kharkiv region, close to the Russian border. The Ukrainian Air Force’s Eastern Command published a report on its website on 6 August with images showing soldiers of an anti-aircraft regiment operating the system during a training exercise conducted the same day.

Mobile launchers of Ukraine’s S-125 SAM system during an exercise close to the Russian border. (Ukrainian Air Force)

The soldiers were shown deploying mobile launchers, as well as P-18 VHF band and P-19 early warning radars. One of the elements of the training exercise was to practise countering unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), stated Lieutenant Colonel Mikhailo Povkhovych, the commander of the anti-aircraft unit. He said one of his unit’s priorities was to counter UAVs, given that they have been used in the Donbass conflict, not only for reconnaissance but also for combat operations. Tactical training of the unit with live firing will take place at the Yagorlyk state test site in September, the report added.