(GELENDZHIK, KRASNODAR KRAI) – Ukrainian forces have destroyed a sophisticated anti-Starlink electronic warfare system and an S-400 air defence battery in a two-stage operation on Russian soil, targeting critical military infrastructure near the Black Sea coast.
Satellite imagery confirms a strike several days ago obliterated a Volna Kupol Garant electronic warfare complex in Gelendzhik. The before and after images, shared by an analyst account show most of the system has been destroyed or damaged by Ukrainian drones. This marks the third documented successful strike on such a system.
The Volna Kupol Garant is specifically designed to counter Starlink satellite communications, a network Ukrainian forces rely upon extensively for drone operations. The system works by generating directed radio interference towards Starlink satellites, preventing them from receiving signals from ground terminals and rendering them inoperable. The system, first deployed early this year, consists of multiple trailers each equipped with two satellite antennas to track Starlink satellite positions and emit a disruptive signal. It can provide a protective jamming dome with a radius of approximately 4 kilometres, covering an area of around 20 square kilometres.
The initial attack was carried out by marine drones launching FPV (first person view) drones at the coastal site. At the time, analysts were surprised to find such a jamming post in Gelendzhik, as there appeared to be few military targets worth protecting. The town hosts an airfield and a port, but neither was believed to be in significant military use.
A subsequent strike has now clarified the operation’s objective. Fresh video footage shows a large explosion in the same town, reported by Ukraine to be the destruction of an S-400 air defence battery. This suggests a coordinated two phase operation: the first wave eliminated the protective jamming umbrella, clearing the path for a follow up strike on the primary target. The S-400 is Russia’s most advanced surface to air missile system and a high priority asset.
The destruction of both the S-400 battery and its electronic shield raises the prospect of further Ukrainian action. The battery was likely positioned to protect the Russian naval base at Novorossiysk. With its defences weakened, the Black Sea fleet vessels stationed there may now face increased vulnerability.
Footage of the strikes was released by the Ukrainian armed forces.
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