A successful Ukrainian drone attack on a base of Russian "Iskander" operational-tactical missile systems in occupied Crimea has demonstrated a new level of capabilities for the Armed Forces of Ukraine, specifically the ability to strike targets within reinforced concrete shelters. This was reported by Defense Express, according to UNN.
Details
This refers to an attack by the Special Operations Forces on the night of April 28 near the village of Ovrazhki. The Russian launchers were located in Soviet-style shelters designed for R-5 ballistic missiles.
Such structures have concrete thickness of up to 40-60 cm and an additional layer of soil, making them difficult targets to strike.
Previously, this position was known to the Ukrainian side; however, the attack may have been delayed due to the lack of appropriate means to penetrate the defenses.
New drone capabilities
According to estimates, the effectiveness of the strike was made possible by the use of middle-strike type drones with a more powerful warhead. It is likely that an FP-2 drone with a warhead of approximately 105 kg was used. At the same time, developers are considering the possibility of increasing it to 150 kg.
Experts note that for penetrating shelters, not only the mass of the charge is important, but also the speed and design of the warhead.
Technological aspect
Among the possible solutions is the use of tandem warheads, which first penetrate the obstacle with a shaped charge and then deliver the main charge inside.
A similar principle is applied in Storm Shadow and SCALP cruise missiles.
The attack demonstrates that Ukrainian forces are acquiring the tools to strike deeply protected enemy facilities, which was previously a significantly more difficult task.