The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense “thanked”, in a clear tone of mockery, a Russian tourist for revealing the position of an S-400 anti-aircraft missile launcher in Crimea. The region has been occupied by Russia since 2014.
In the image, the tourist, who had his face covered, poses next to a TEL truck (Transport Erector Launcher) of the S-400 anti-aircraft system. Through the photo, the Ukrainians were able to geolocate the position of the Russian battery.
Maybe we are being too hard on Russian tourists… Sometimes they can be really helpful. Like this man taking pictures at Russian air defense positions near Yevpatoria, in occupied Crimea. Thank you and keep up the good work! pic.twitter.com/bj5oEyXU0H
— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) August 22, 2022
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With the location of the Russian battery, the Ukrainians can even plan precision strikes against the Russian position (if it remains in the same location), including with the American anti-radar missile AGM-88 HARM, adapted for use on the MiG-29 Fulcrum fighters.
🧵 Russian tourists reveal S-400 air defense systems positioned near Yevpatoria. AD is active nearly every day in this area according to local authorities. Geolocation 45.180317, 33.232232 https://t.co/BCm5SChWHR pic.twitter.com/lcOv58Lyju
—Mark Krutov (@kromark) August 21, 2022
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The S-400 is among Russia's most advanced air defense systems. Called the SA-21 Growler by NATO, the system can reach targets between 40 and 400 km away, depending on the missile used. A battery is made up of a radar, several launchers and a command center that interconnects the components and manages any shots.
Annexed by Russia in 2014, the Crimean Peninsula has been the target of several Ukrainian attacks. On the 09/08th, an action at Saki Naval Air Base left between nine and eleven fighter planes destroyed, a heavy blow to Russian military aviation.
The war between Russia and Ukraine completes six months this Wednesday, without any sight of a resolution. According to a survey by the independent portal Oryx, the Russians have already lost 5332 vehicles, while Ukraine has lost 1517.
