| Published April 7, 2025
Zaporizhzhia Oblast, Ukraine — In a major blow to Russia’s military surveillance capabilities, Ukrainian forces have successfully identified and destroyed a cutting-edge Russian radar installation in occupied Zaporizhzhia Oblast. The 1L122 “Harmon” system, known among Russian troops for its stealth and precision, was eliminated in a targeted drone strike executed by Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR).
The Radar That Was “Invisible”
The 1L122 Harmon radar is a modern battlefield asset designed for short- to medium-range airspace monitoring. According to intelligence sources, this model was capable of tracking up to 31 aerial targets simultaneously, while maintaining near-invisibility—even from close range.
Russian troops stationed with the radar had considered it one of their most advanced and secure systems. “Even standing next to it, you wouldn’t know it was there,” one Ukrainian official said, citing intercepted Russian communications.
But that perception of invulnerability was shattered when Ukraine’s intelligence drones spotted the unit, and combat drones swiftly followed.
A Precision Hit
Despite fog and strong winds on the battlefield, Ukrainian forces demonstrated technical mastery and operational patience. After tracking the system’s location and waiting for optimal conditions, a drone strike was executed with pinpoint accuracy.
The result: complete destruction of the radar, elimination of at least three Russian electronic warfare specialists, and the destruction of a supporting vehicle.
This operation was carried out in the Polohy district of Zaporizhzhia Oblast—territory that has seen intense electronic warfare activity in recent months.
HUR operatives identified this “perfect” target using a specialized drone. However, adverse weather conditions, including fog and strong winds, thwarted their initial strike.
Implications for Russia’s Electronic Warfare
The loss of the 1L122 Harmon represents more than a tactical defeat—it’s a symbolic and strategic one.
These radar systems are used to support anti-aircraft operations, electronic warfare, and battlefield command coordination. Their role is particularly crucial in contested areas where Russian forces are trying to hold their positions under constant Ukrainian pressure.
By eliminating such a highly valued piece of equipment, Ukraine has not only disrupted Russian defense logistics but also sent a clear message: even Russia’s most “invisible” tech can be seen—and destroyed.
Drones: Ukraine’s Game Changer
Ukraine’s increasing reliance on drone warfare has shifted the dynamics of the conflict. From reconnaissance to high-impact strikes, drones have allowed Ukraine to compete against a more heavily armed adversary with agility and precision.
This latest operation reinforces Ukraine’s edge in the realm of unmanned warfare—an edge that continues to frustrate and outmaneuver Russian forces, particularly in the southern frontlines.
Looking Ahead
As Ukraine continues to push back against occupation forces, operations like this show a growing confidence in Ukraine’s intelligence and strike capabilities. With every destroyed radar, command post, or supply depot, the country edges closer to reclaiming its territory.
For Russia, the message is unmistakable: nowhere is safe, and nothing is too advanced to escape the reach of Ukraine’s modern war machine.
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