Russian S-400 SAM in Crimea hit by Ukrainian Neptune

Ukrainian Neptune cruise missiles and loitering munitions hit the Russian S-400 anti-aircraft system near Yevpatoria.

This was told by representatives of the Secret Services of Ukraine to the journalists of Ukrainska Pravda website.

According to them, at first the SSU drones hit the “eyes” of the system – radars and antennas. And after the failure of the radar, Navy units with two Neptune cruise missiles struck the launchers of the S-300/S-400 Triumph SAM.

Recall that today at about 5:30 in the morning, a group of strike drones attacked a then unknown object on the outskirts of Yevpatoria. Locals heard a series of powerful explosions, accompanied by a powerful fire.

The media did not provide photo and video evidence of the defeat of the SAM. Nevertheless, the photos taken by the locals captured some specific details that looked similar to the result of the defeat of the anti-aircraft system.

In particular, a strong white glow and “fireworks” from the burning of rocket fuel after hits. One of the published videos also captured the moment of an abnormal rocket launch, which immediately after launch collided with the ground.

As previously reported, the affected target was protected by SHORAD systems (possibly the Pantsir-S air defense system). This may say that the object was military.

On the outskirts of Yevpatoria, in the direction where explosions were observed locally, the positions of the Russian S-300/S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems are located. Their presence was recorded on August 28 between the settlements of Zaozerne and Molochne using satellite images.

Neptune 2.0

The modernization of Neptune anti-ship cruise missiles to strike ground targets became publicly known in April 2023.

For strikes “on the ground,” Ukrainian designers have developed a new guidance system. It is controlled by GPS satellite signals and directs the rocket to a predetermined target. In the final flight, the infrared missile homing system searches and captures the target based on a preloaded image.

It was reported that the new missile would be able to launch from the same launcher as before. Its characteristics were changed, therefore, the maximum range increased to 400 km, and the warhead became heavier – 350 kg versus 150 kg for the anti-ship version.

Recall that at the end of August, the Ukrainian Defense Forces managed to destroy part of the S-400 SAM near the village of Olenivka on Cape Tarkhankut in Crimea. Then it was also reported that the strikes were carried out by Ukrainian missiles.

Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Oleksiy Danilov said that the Russian SAM was hit by a new Ukrainian missile, without specifying its name. At the same time, Ukrainian journalist Yurii Butusov said that a Neptune anti-ship missile modified for a ground attack was used for the strike.