In a stunning display of aerial warfare, a Ukrainian Su-27 fighter jet successfully obliterated a key Russian air defense radar in a single, lightning-fast strike on June 2, 2025. The operation, executed with precision and stealth, has sent shockwaves through military circles, raising urgent questions about the effectiveness of Russia’s frontline defenses.

At precisely 2:12 p.m. Kyiv time, the Su-27, armed with a single AGM-88 HARM missile, took off from a forward air base in Pava. With no escort and no reconnaissance support, the pilot embarked on a meticulously planned solo mission targeting a Boum M2 or TORM2KM battery near Tokmach in Zaporizhia Oblast—an essential component of Russia’s southern front defenses. This radar system was crucial for monitoring supply lines and command posts, and its destruction would create a tactical void, allowing Ukrainian forces to strike deep within Russian territory undetected.

Five minutes into the flight, the Su-27 entered a pre-planned flight corridor, disabling all transponders to avoid detection. As the aircraft approached the target area, the pilot activated a passive jamming system, momentarily blinding Russian radar operators. At 2:35 p.m., a single radar pulse illuminated the airspace, signaling an imminent opportunity. With no time to waste, the pilot dove to 3,940 feet and launched the AGM-88, which tracked the radar emissions with deadly accuracy.

In less than a minute, the missile struck, resulting in a massive explosion that obliterated the radar station and likely destroyed multiple support systems. As the smoke cleared, Ukrainian command confirmed the mission’s success, marking a significant psychological blow to Russian air defense capabilities. The implications are profound; Russian forces now face a critical reassessment of their radar operations, grappling with the chilling realization that their systems can be struck without warning.

This operation not only showcased the adaptability of Ukrainian forces but also underscored a new era in modern warfare, where old platforms can deliver devastating results with cutting-edge Western technology. As the dust settles, one question looms large: when will Russia’s air defenses be ready for the next strike?