The Russian TRLK-10 “Skala-M” radar station in Crimea has been destroyed, as corroborated by satellite images. The Dnipro Osint Telegram channel published the corresponding photos featuring the damaged radar. The radar complex was targeted in the settlement of Abrikosivka during the night of August 9–10, 2025. The operation was conducted by elements of the Special Operations Forces of Ukraine’s resistance movement, according to the Ukrainians.
Technical Profile of the TRLK-10 “Skala-M”
The TRLK-10 “Skala-M” radar is a stationary long-range tracking radar system developed by the Soviet Union and Russia. Its primary applications include air traffic control and airspace monitoring. Capable of detecting and tracking airborne targets at distances of up to 350 kilometers, the system integrates both primary and secondary radar detection capabilities.
The radar employs a large parabolic antenna measuring 10.5 by 15 meters and operates in the L-band frequency range (1243–1299 MHz). It was developed using the Skala-A prototype radar in 1975. A mobile variant, the TRLK-11 “Skala-MPR,” distributes radar electronics across trailers to allow transportation.
Role in Air Defense and Surveillance
The radar plays a crucial role in air defense and airspace management systems, monitoring and regulating air traffic routes and approach zones. It provides essential data to air defense command and control centers, including those for anti-aircraft missile systems, to support both civilian and military airspace operations.
With the ability to detect threats early and track them within approximately 650 meters and an accuracy margin of 250 meters, the TRLK-10 helps guide interceptions by pinpointing precise target locations.
Strategic Impact of the Loss
The destruction of this radar facility has significantly diminished Russia’s integrated air defense and surveillance network on the peninsula. Its elimination reduces the Russian military’s ability to monitor airspace, limiting the deployment of combat aircraft for strikes against Ukrainian infrastructure and civilian areas in Crimea and beyond.
The loss comes at a time when Ukraine is intensifying its offensive operations, including drone strikes on Russian logistics and troop concentrations. A notable recent operation in the Sumy region reportedly resulted in over 330 Russian casualties. Ukrainian attacks on Russian command, control, surveillance, and air defense assets are increasing pressure on Russian forces, which, according to Ukrainian sources, may be causing them to regroup and slow ground advances.
Operational Consequences for Russia
According to non-Russian sources, the loss of this critical radar has reduced Russia’s effectiveness in deploying combat aircraft over Crimea, impairing situational awareness and strike capabilities.
The radar’s importance lay in its function as an early detection and air traffic control asset for Russia’s military and integrated air defense. Crimea serves as both a strategic buffer against NATO and Ukrainian forces and as a major Russian operational base. Disrupting its radar systems undermines command and control capabilities, which are vital for both defensive and offensive aviation missions.
This loss increases the operational freedom of Ukrainian and NATO forces, reducing the safety and efficiency of Russian air missions. It also highlights Ukraine’s growing operational reach and precision in targeting Russian rear-area logistics, intelligence, and air defense infrastructure in Crimea.
Wider Campaign Against Russian Radars
Ukrainian forces have also targeted other radar systems in Crimea, such as the “Periskop-VM” radar near Feodosia. This radar monitors space objects with a detection range of up to 300 kilometers. Such strikes underscore Ukraine’s broader campaign to degrade Russia’s surveillance and early warning capabilities, which are essential for air defense in the region.
Russian Response and Official Silence
Russian authorities have not officially confirmed the destruction of the TRLK-10 “Skala-M” radar. Instead, Russian sources reported intercepting 15 drones over Crimea during the night of August 9–10, coinciding with the Ukrainian strike. The Russian military has issued no direct public statements on the operational implications of losing the radar, focusing instead on acknowledging air defense engagements without addressing the damage.