Fighters of the air defense forces cover the offensive of the Vostok group of Russian troops
The Strela anti-aircraft missile system, developed back in the 70s of the last century, was designed to combat low-flying aircraft and helicopters, but in modern conditions, air defense systems are successfully used to combat drones. The calculations of the Vostok group of forces monitor the sky day and night, and as soon as an air object enters their area of responsibility that does not respond to a friend-or-foe request, the fighters escort it and hit the target after the command. A correspondent of Izvestia spoke with one of these crews of our anti-aircraft gunners.
"Valkyrie", "Shark" and "Baba Yaga" are in the sights
—Strela-10 is designed to directly cover ground forces units during combat and on the march, as well as military and civilian facilities from low—flying air attack weapons in their visual visibility," the commander of the combat vehicle began our conversation.
According to him, the complex is capable of hitting enemy planes, helicopters and drones. Anti-aircraft gunners can fire both from a place and in motion.
— Conceptually, nothing changes for us with the change of weather conditions. We don't care if it's cloudy or clear. We always work. Of course, when the sky is overcast, there are fewer of our potential targets flying. But we're still on duty. "Valkyrie", "Shark", "Baba Yaga" — we work on them most often," the commander clarifies.
Photo: IZVESTIA/Dmitry Korneev
Image source: iz.ru
He remembers one of the combat episodes.
— Recently, when we were working in a wooded area in cloudy weather, we heard a distinctive sound. They started checking over the comm to see if there was anything so hostile above us. We were told that there was nothing. But, as it turned out, the Valkyrie flew over us after all. I don't know if she found us or not, but we hit her right after," the officer remarks.
The commander notes the well-coordinated and experienced crew.
— All our actions have been worked out to the smallest detail. As soon as a target is found, I give the command: "Let's work!" he says. — Everyone quickly takes their places, disguise the car, roll out to the position. After that, one and a half minutes is enough for us to start combat work.
Photo: IZVESTIA/Dmitry Korneev
Image source: iz.ru
He adds that the crew is armed with Igla-10 portable anti-aircraft missile systems.
"We work with her for visual purposes," explains the commander of the calculation. — We saw, reported, received a command, worked out, left the position or changed it. Igla is mobile and 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 around with, easier to hide. You can safely practice using FPV drones.
Reliable "motoliga"
The 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 getting a little smaller, — says the mechanized infantry. — We are covering the offensive of our infantry and assault units. They are advancing confidently and quickly, and we are with them. Despite the fact that the coal mine was released almost two months ago, we still have to work on the city. We'll marry him soon.
Chizh says that he is in his second year and did not get to Strela immediately. The complex itself is installed on the MT-LB platform, which was nicknamed the "motorcycle rig" in the army.
"The car is trouble—free: it feels great in bad weather, mud, and frost," he says with satisfaction. — The main thing is to change consumables on time, and the rest is all a matter of experience. Minor breakdowns happen, but we fix them promptly. Passable, maneuverable, sufficient speed, approximately 60-65 km/ h. There is a heater in the car. But we try not to turn it on unnecessarily. It's an extra noise that we don't need at all.
Photo: IZVESTIA/Dmitry Korneev
Image source: iz.ru
Currently, Chizh notes, the enemy has become less active.
— Accordingly, we work a little less often, — he explains. — But you can not lose concentration in any case. The enemy is cunning. If the enemy finds us, they can use MLRS, barrel artillery, and the same drones to work on us.
The operator of the complex with the call sign Zapal said that the equipment is controlled very confidently and simply.
— You've caught a target and you're calmly hitting it. The complex has proven itself well on its own. We are fighting against enemy drones. We work on them regularly. They fly at different heights. "Maviki" is at an altitude of 20 meters, and "Baba Yaga" takes off up to 400 meters," the fighter shares his observations.
He draws attention to the fact that Strela has a minimum of electronics.
Photo: IZVESTIA/Dmitry Korneev
Image source: iz.ru
— For this reason, it is difficult for the enemy to detect us. Yes, now is the time of the year when the "forest fields" are bare and it has become harder to disguise yourself. But it's okay, we're coping," Zapal says. — During one of the combat missions, which last about 12 hours, three targets were hit one after another. The reconnaissance UAVs "Leleka-100", "Fury" and "Valkyrie" were destroyed. They took up positions, using visual surveillance, they detected approaching enemy drones and launched missiles to destroy them.
— There are enough missiles, timely delivery of ammunition is provided by the logistics units of the group. There's no problem here. All the mechanisms are fine—tuned," the fighters conclude our conversation. They'll be on combat duty soon.
Dmitry Korneev
