Recently, the Ukrainian Military Intelligence Directorate (GUR) released new images revealing the use of a modernized S-200 surface-to-air missile to shoot down a Russian Tu-22M3 bomber, representing the reactivation of a Soviet-era weapon system to reinforce the country’s strained air defense network. Previous reports by Western analysts indicated that this capability had already been used in the conflict—including in the downing of an A-50 airborne early warning aircraft—but this is the first time images of its use have been made public.
The images in question were not released with additional details, so the date they were taken remains unknown, as does the specific location from which the missiles were launched. Based on what can be seen, it appears to be a position located along the Black Sea coast, while the state of the foliage on the ground suggests the footage was taken during the local autumn or winter.
On the technical side, it can be confirmed that the S-200 missile was deployed by Ukrainian units using a fixed launcher, which places the troops involved at greater risk of retaliation from Russia. In this regard, the current head of the GUR, Kyrylo Budanov, stated: “The use of the S-200 is unique and significantly more dangerous than anyone could have imagined.”
Regarding the missile, no changes are observed in its external design, which would indicate that the modernization work has focused almost exclusively on the internal electronic systems of the weapon. It is a specimen belonging to the 5V28 series, the same that presents a length of 10.6 meters and about 86 centimeters in diameter. Its propulsion system consists of a first stage in which the missile is propelled from the launcher with a series of four disposable solid-fuel engines, while in a second stage it relies on a single liquid-fuel engine. These characteristics gave it a range of about 300 kilometers carrying a conventional warhead of 227 kilograms equipped with a proximity fuse.
It is worth recalling at this point that these are systems introduced into service in the Soviet forces during the 1960s, being specifically designed to shoot down American long-range bombers and/or reconnaissance aircraft. By the beginning of this century, the system became widely known for being involved in the downing of a Russian passenger plane in the year 2001, a moment by which its obsolescence was already being speculated. Out of some sixteen batteries that Ukraine possessed, only four remained active by 2010, while later reports speak of a complete withdrawal by 2013.
*Image credits: GUR
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