Drone forces have destroyed the "Strela" air defense system near Velika Novoselka.

The forces of the Ukrainian Armed Forces have destroyed the Russian anti-aircraft missile system "Strela-10". This incident occurred in the Donetsk region.

This information was reported by RBC-Ukraine with a link to the OSUV "Khortytsia".

According to military sources, the enemy equipment was located near the settlement of Velyka Novosilka through aerial reconnaissance. Following this, a drone equipped with a munition drop system was dispatched to eliminate it.

"The fighters of the UAV unit struck the Russian anti-aircraft missile system 'Strela-10' in the vicinity of the village of Velyka Novosilka, Donetsk region," the statement said.

What is known about the SAM "Strela-10"

The anti-aircraft missile system (SAM) "Strela-10" is a Soviet self-propelled short-range air defense system designed to destroy airborne targets at low altitudes. It was developed in the 1970s as a replacement for the "Strela-1" system and has become an essential component of the ground forces' air defense. The "Strela-10" is based on the MT-LB tracked platform, which provides high mobility and the ability to operate alongside armored units.

The system is armed with four or six guided missiles of the 9M37 variant in various modifications, equipped with infrared or photo-contrast guidance heads. This allows it to engage aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, and enemy drones at ranges of up to 5 km and altitudes of up to 3.5 km. The "Strela-10" can operate under conditions of active electronic countermeasures, although its effectiveness is influenced by weather conditions and the thermal decoys deployed by targets.

The system has been widely used by Russian forces in Afghanistan, Syria, Ukraine, and other combat zones. Despite its relative obsolescence, it remains in service with the Russian military and is being upgraded to improve its effectiveness.

Fighting for Velyka Novosilka

Velyka Novosilka is a settlement in the Volnovakha district of the Donetsk region in Ukraine. At the end of January, Russia claimed to have "fully occupied" Velyka Novosilka in the Donetsk region. However, this was refuted by OSUV "Khortytsia," stating that Ukrainian forces held certain positions closer to the outskirts of the settlement and that fighting in the area was ongoing.

We also reported that recently Ukrainian military forces discovered enemy equipment near Velyka Novosilka using drones. The artillery of the Russian army targeted it.

For more information on why it is crucial for the Ukrainian Armed Forces to hold Velyka Novosilka, refer to the material from RBC-Ukraine.