In a recent development, the Repeynik radar station, a high-tech asset of Russia located in Ukraine, was destroyed. Ukrainian sources have confirmed that the Defense Intelligence Service of Ukraine (DIU) orchestrated a drone strike targeting Russia’s advanced anti-drone radar system, known as Repeynik. A video circulating online purportedly captures the moment of the radar’s destruction.
The operation was reportedly carried out by members of the Husy 9 group in collaboration with Ukraine’s defense intelligence active operations unit. According to the Ukrainian Defense Ministry, Russia had deployed the portable Repeynik radar earlier this year, in 2022, at a cost of approximately 10 million rubles, equivalent to around $100,000.
While the Repeynik radar represents a cutting-edge addition to Russia’s military arsenal, its capabilities were being increasingly understood and utilized. Beyond its primary function of detecting drones, this radar system can also identify people and vehicles. Its compact size allows for easy transport and operation in various weather conditions.
Specifically engineered for detecting and tracking small objects, the Repeynik radar provides exceptional performance, with a range of up to 10 km, an altitude reach of up to 5 km, and the ability to track speeds of up to 150 km/h. Moreover, it operates efficiently in diverse environmental conditions, whether stationed by the coast or inland. Notably, its energy versatility allows it to be powered by either an electrical grid or a vehicle, providing up to eight hours of continuous operation.
Despite its lightweight design at only 25.5 kg, the Repeynik radar can simultaneously track up to 256 objects, distinguishing itself by eliminating the common ‘dead zone’ observed in similar systems. Its rapid deployment capability within five minutes, coupled with concealment features such as camouflage techniques and a narrow scanning beam, enhances its effectiveness and survivability in combat scenarios.
Featuring a user-friendly interface with modern graphical integration, the Repeynik radar facilitates target tracking and analysis, including the storage of trajectory data for future examination. Its comprehensive software supports various operating systems and hardware, enabling the simultaneous reception and processing of information from multiple integrated stations within a single network.
In the events of the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, tensions escalated rapidly. On February 21, 2022, Russia claimed that Ukrainian forces attacked one of its border facilities, resulting in the deaths of five Ukrainian fighters. However, Ukraine promptly dismissed these claims, labeling them as ‘false flags’.
Simultaneously, Russia made a significant move by officially recognizing the self-proclaimed areas of Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR) and Luhansk People’s Republic (LPR) on the same day. Notably, Russian President Putin stated that this recognition extended to all Ukrainian regions. Following this announcement, Putin deployed a battalion of Russia’s military forces, including tanks, into these territories.
By February 24, 2022, the situation reached a critical point as global attention focused on a significant development. Putin ordered a forceful military assault on Ukraine. This assault, orchestrated by Russia’s formidable Armed Forces stationed at the Ukrainian border, was not a spontaneous action but a carefully planned operation. Despite the conflict bearing the hallmarks of war, the Russian government refrained from labeling it as such, preferring the term “special military operation”.
