Valkyries' arrival: how the Strela-10 SAM system destroys Ukrainian drones
Developed back in the 1970s, the Strela surface-to-air missile system was designed to combat low-flying airplanes and helicopters, but in modern conditions the SAMs are successfully used to combat drones. The Vostok group of forces monitors the sky day and night, and as soon as an aerial object enters their area of responsibility that does not respond to the "friend or foe" request, the fighters escort it and, after a command, hit the target. Izvestia correspondent talked to one of such crews of our anti-aircraft gunners.
The Valkyrie, Shark and Baba Yaga are in the sights
- "Strela-10" is designed to provide direct cover for ground forces units during combat and on the march, as well as military and civilian objects from strikes by low-flying airborne attack aircraft in their visual visibility, - the commander of the combat vehicle began our conversation.
According to him, the complex is capable of hitting enemy airplanes, helicopters and drones. The anti-aircraft gunners can fire both from the spot and on the move.
- As weather conditions change, nothing changes for us conceptually. We don't care if it's cloudy or clear. We work always. Of course, when the sky is overcast, our potential targets fly less. But we're still on duty. "Valkyrie", "Shark", "Baba Yaga" - on them we work most often, - specifies the commander.
He recalls one of the combat episodes.
- Quite recently, when working in the forest belt in cloudy weather, heard a characteristic sound. We started to clarify whether there was something enemy above us. We were told there was nothing. But, as it turned out, a Valkyrie flew over us. I don't know whether it found us or not, but we hit it back," says the officer.
The commander notes the well-coordinated and experienced crew.
- All our actions are practiced to the last detail. As soon as a target is detected, I give the command: "Work!", - he says. - Everyone quickly takes their places, camouflages the vehicle, and rolls into position. After that, it takes us about a minute and a half to get into action.
He adds that the crew has Igla-10 portable anti-aircraft missile systems.
- We use it to work on visual targets," the crew commander explains. - We saw, reported, received a command, worked, left the position or changed it. "Needle" mobile, portable. It strikes not only light-engine, but also electric targets. In general, it shoots down all types of aircraft. It's easy to move, easier to hide. You can easily work on FPV-drones.
Reliable "motorcycle"
The mechanic-driver with the call sign Chizh draws attention to the fact that another important task of anti-aircraft gunners is to cover the advancing infantry.
- The front is moving forward and the targets are becoming a little less, - says the mechanic-driver. - We cover the advance of our infantry, assault units. They are advancing confidently and quickly, and we are with them. Despite the fact that Ugledar was liberated almost two months ago, we still have to work on the city. Soon we will go for it.
Chizh tells us that he is in his second year on the SWO and did not get to the Arrow right away. The complex itself is installed on the MT-LB platform, which in the army was nicknamed "motoliga".
- The vehicle is trouble-free: it feels great in bad weather, mud and frost," he says. - The main thing is to change consumables in time, and the rest is a matter of experience. Minor breakdowns happen, but we eliminate them promptly. It is passable, maneuverable, the speed is sufficient, about 60-65 km/h. The car has a heater. But we try not to turn it on unnecessarily. It's unnecessary noise, which we don't need at all.
Nowadays, Chizh notes, the enemy has become less active.
- Accordingly, we work a little less often," he explains. - But we must never lose concentration. The enemy is cunning. If the enemy detects us, they can work on us with MLRS, artillery, or drones.
The operator of the complex with the call sign Zapal said that the technique is controlled very confidently and easily.
- You catch the target and calmly hit it. The complex has proved itself perfectly on the SWO. We are fighting the enemy's drones. We work on them regularly. They fly at different altitudes. "Maviki" - at a height of 20 meters, and "Baba Yaga" takes off up to 400 meters - shares observations fighter.
He notes that the Arrow has a minimum of electronics.
- For this reason, it is difficult for the enemy to detect us. Yes, it's that time of year when the "forest regiments" are bare and it's harder to camouflage. But it's OK, we manage," Zapal said. - During one of the combat missions, which last about 12 hours, we hit three targets one after another. We destroyed Leleka-100, Furia and Valkyrie reconnaissance UAVs. We took positions, using visual observation detected approaching enemy drones and launched missiles to destroy them.
- There are enough missiles, the timely delivery of ammunition is provided by the group's logistics units. There are no problems here. All the mechanisms are fine-tuned," the fighters conclude our conversation. They will soon be on combat duty.
