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Russian forces have reportedly destroyed Ukrainian S-300 air defense missile systems using suicide drones, in western Kherson. 

The Russian Ministry of Defense, through accounts linked to it, released footage captured by the Zala Lancet suicide drone targeting a vehicle carrying 4 S-300 missiles, and a number of other vehicles in the vicinity operating within the same system. 

Lancet strike on the S-300. pic.twitter.com/x3mTDThcnF

— ayden (@squatsons) April 27, 2023

Simultaneous footage shows the detonation of the Ukrainian missiles leading to the destruction of the truck in its entirety. 

Read more: Ukraine arms supplies not as fast as promises of abundance: WaPo

Additional footage shows the destruction of a Buk surface-to-air missile system which was camouflaged in the foliage of the nearby forest.

First hit on the S-300 (red square) https://t.co/jHKMEHLAJ5 pic.twitter.com/X0HVD2Z7er

— ayden (@squatsons) April 27, 2023

Surveillance drones were able to detect Ukrainian vehicles through thermal imaging, as the thermal difference between the vehicles' metal structure and the earth allows it to be discovered despite camouflage.

First confirmed Buk kill with a Geran-2.
Ukrainian AD is taking so many Ls right now I wouldn’t be surprised if this hinders offensive plans. The Ukrainians moved these systems closer to the front to deal with Russian aviation dropping glide bombs. Unfortunately this brings them… pic.twitter.com/D4N6XlQhPS

— ayden (@squatsons) April 27, 2023

"The dark day of Ukrainian air defense", as described by Russian telegram accounts, wasn't limited to the swift suicide drone bombings. Another scene from the released footage shows Lancet's pursuit of Ukrainian vehicles trying to escape; but to no avail.

The Lancet has proven effective in the field

Russia's employment of Russian-made suicide drones like Lancet or Cube has notably increased recently. The drones which possess warheads weighing roughly around 3kg have caused heavy losses to Ukrainian forces in the front lines and rear.

With a range of up to 40 km and a cheap manufacturing cost, the Russian "mobile explosive charge" plays a key role in keeping the Ukranian forces on guard on both the front lines and rear alike, which contributes to the depletion of their energy and morale.

Read more: Pentagon announces new $460mln military assistance package to Ukraine

The new Russian tactic of using drones in conjunction with surveillance drones has enabled the Russian forces to destroy key targets approaching the front line, such as air defenses, MLRSs, tanks, self-propelled guns, radars, and howitzers.

Pentagon: Ukraine's air defenses may run out in late May

It was reported two weeks ago by UnHerd, Ukraine is facing a more difficult "uphill struggle than the Western narrative would have us believe". 

The report cited the recent Pentagon leaks, saying that the Ukrainian army is facing massive shortages, especially in munition supplies. 

Artillery ammunition is being used up by the nation's units at a breakneck rate, estimated at  7,700 shells every day, or about one shell every six seconds. This means that Kiev is outpacing Western production capacities and has forced Kiev to ration artillery usage on the battlefield.

Read more: HIMARS are useless, Russia has "remarkably adapted": NYT

However, the most distressful of shortages to the Ukrainian army is that of anti-air defense ammunition, particularly of Soviet-era S-300 and Buk systems which make up around 89% of Ukrainian air defenses against Russian targets.