Clip: Ukraine deploys legendary Su-27 to launch missile strike and destroy Russian air defense system
A Ukrainian Su-27 fighter jet launched an AGM-88 HARM missile to strike and destroy a Russian air defense system.
According to the military news outlet Defense Express, Ukrainian media on June 2 released a video showing the Su-27 fighter jet launching an AGM-88 HARM missile to attack and destroy a Russian air defense system.
“The Su-27 fighter carried out the strike as part of the 39th Tactical Aviation Brigade. The precision strike caused the Russian air defense system to explode and burst into flames,” a representative of the Ukrainian Air Force stated.
In the video, it is clearly visible that the ammunition depot of the Russian air defense system was hit, causing some of the interceptor missiles to be launched forward, resulting in multiple secondary explosions. Ukrainian authorities did not specify the exact type of air defense system that was destroyed.
The AGM-88 HARM (High-speed Anti-Radiation Missile) is one of the most advanced weapons the United States has supplied to Ukraine. First deployed in 1983, this missile is 4.3 meters long, weighs over 360 kilograms, has a range of 48 kilometers, and can reach speeds of up to Mach 2 (2,450 km/h).
Although it does not have a large warhead, when launched prior to an airstrike, it can suppress enemy air defenses and clear a safe path for fighter aircraft.
According to military experts, anti-radiation missiles exert psychological pressure. While the HARM may not completely disable Russian radar systems, it can force radar operators to be more cautious and selective in transmitting signals.
Meanwhile, on June 3, the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces reported that Russian forces are intensifying their offensive across multiple key frontlines, focusing on the areas of Pokrovsk, Novopavlivka, Toretsk, and Lyman, according to Ukrinform. At least 134 engagements between the two sides were recorded over the past 24 hours.
Russian forces carried out 59 airstrikes, launched 74 guided bombs, deployed 1,334 kamikaze drones (UAVs), and conducted more than 4,400 artillery strikes on Ukrainian military positions and civilian areas. Ukrainian military officials stated that reserve forces are being rapidly deployed to critical areas to reinforce defensive firepower and maintain control of strategic positions.
