Ukrainian forces destroyed a Russian Pantsir-S1 air defense system near Melitopol after a long-range strike by a domestically produced FP-2 attack drone, Ukrainian officials said.
The strike occurred near the village of Nove, several kilometers from Melitopol, after the drone traveled approximately 90 kilometers to reach the target.
According to Ukrainian defense media outlet Militarnyi, the strike was carried out using a heavy attack drone designated FP-2, a long-range unmanned system designed for precision strikes against military targets. The drone reportedly flew around 90 kilometers before hitting the Russian air defense system positioned near the village of Nove.
Commander of Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces, Robert “Madyar” Brovdi, confirmed the use of the drone during the operation.
“Pilots of the 1st Separate Center of the Unmanned Systems Forces carried out the strike using a Ukrainian-made middle strike FP-2 with a 100-kilogram warhead,” Brovdi said.
Images published after the strike show heavy damage to the Russian Pantsir-S1 self-propelled air defense system, including the apparent destruction of the vehicle and launcher unit.
According to reports, the strike severed the system’s radar from the vehicle, while the launcher and carrier vehicle were destroyed. The Pantsir-S1 combines radar, missiles, and autocannons on a single platform designed to protect military units and infrastructure from drones, aircraft, and precision-guided weapons.
The system is widely used by Russian forces as a short-range air defense component intended to defend high-value assets and longer-range missile systems. Its ability to detect and engage drones has made it a frequent target for Ukrainian strike operations.
The FP-2 drone used in the strike is produced by the Ukrainian company Fire Point and follows the design concept of the earlier FP-1 long-range strike drone, which has been used to attack targets deep behind Russian lines.
The drone is designed for long-range precision strikes and can operate in different guidance modes. One configuration uses autonomous navigation to attack fixed targets such as air defense systems or ammunition depots.
Another version allows operators to manually guide the drone using a radio control link, enabling the drone to strike moving targets or adjust its trajectory during the final phase of flight.
One known warhead configuration reportedly uses an adapted OFAB-100-110-TU aerial bomb, which weighs approximately 121 kilograms. This warhead type allows the drone to deliver a heavy explosive payload capable of destroying armored vehicles and radar equipment.
The FP-2 drone currently has a reported operational range of approximately 200 kilometers, allowing Ukrainian forces to strike targets well behind front lines. According to reports, the manufacturer is working on extending the drone’s range in future versions.
Long-range strike drones have become one of Ukraine’s primary tools for targeting Russian air defense systems, command posts, and logistics infrastructure.
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