Ukraine’s Achilles Regiment Destroys Four Russian Pantsir Systems (Video)

Ukraine’s 429th Separate Regiment of Unmanned Systems, known as “Achilles,” has successfully destroyed four Russian Pantsir S1 anti-aircraft systems using advanced Darts kamikaze drones. The attack was recorded on video and shared by the Serhiy Prytula Foundation, showing precise strikes on the combat module and radar of the Russian systems, maximising damage. All four Pantsir S1 systems were active at the time of the attack, as indicated by their operational radar.

Some of the drones used in the operation were acquired through the “Hit the Bullseye” training camp, which lasted until October 2024. The footage captures the moment one of the Pantsir systems attempted to activate its defences, but the strike had already inflicted critical damage, causing it to fail. This confirms that Ukrainian drone strikes can effectively neutralise Russia’s most advanced short-range air defence systems.

Darts drones, designed by Ukrainian manufacturers, are aircraft-style kamikaze drones equipped with FPV drone components. They can reach speeds of 160 kilometres per hour and carry a four-kilogram warhead. With a wingspan of 1.9 metres and a fuselage of 1.5 metres, these drones can travel between 40 to 60 kilometres before striking their targets. Each unit costs approximately 39,000 UAH, making them a cost-effective solution for high-precision strikes.

This is not the first successful attack on Russian Pantsir S1 systems by Ukrainian forces. In January, naval strike drones inflicted critical damage on another Pantsir system in the Kherson region, leading to its destruction. The attack demonstrated the effectiveness of Ukraine’s growing fleet of unmanned combat systems.

Ukrainian forces have also been testing modifications of naval drones capable of carrying FPV drones to extend their operational range. The first public demonstration of these naval drone modifications was during an attack on Russian-occupied gas platforms in the Black Sea.