An elite Russian unit from the Rubicon unmanned technology center, carrying out drone attacks, destroyed one of Ukraine's most valuable missile systems near Chasov Yar in the east of the country, The Telegraph reported.
A HIMARS missile system located just 10 kilometers from the front line was hit by Russian drones, analysts told the newspaper, citing footage posted on social media.
Given the enormous importance of HIMARS missile systems for Ukraine, it is unusual that such a system was deployed so close to the front, military experts say. Therefore, the one destroyed near Chasov Yar was probably used to strike targets deep behind enemy lines.
HIMARS remains an important tactical and operational system for the Ukrainians, especially because it can keep Russian targets far from the front line, which affects Russian logistics and command. The missile systems, capable of hitting targets with pinpoint accuracy at ranges of up to 80 km, have played a key role in thwarting the Russian offensive.
A video shows the US-supplied missile system moving along a dirt road as a Russian drone approaches from above. The attack was reportedly carried out by “Rubikon“, Russia's elite drone unit, which Ukrainian soldiers fear.
The unit was deployed this year as part of Russia's campaign to drive Ukrainian forces out of the Kursk region, but “Rubikon“ has now been redeployed to hunt Ukraine's most valuable combat assets, in particular long-range missiles.
At first glance, it may seem that the loss of one HIMARS system is not a big problem for Kiev, but this is not the case - especially against the background of uncertainty about whether the Donald Trump administration will continue to supply weapons to Ukraine.
The elite Rubicon unit was created in October 2024 by personal order of Andrei Belousov, the Minister of Defense. It has become a testing ground for this type of new technology. Drone operators now serve in the Donbass, performing complex, decentralized missions. It is drones that have become the main weapon of the war in Ukraine.
The reorientation of Russia's elite unit to expensive weapons such as HIMARS marks a new and worrying stage for Ukraine. The elite Rubicon unit is believed to have destroyed hundreds of Ukrainian military vehicles. If Ukraine does not fails to adapt quickly to this new threat, the consequences could be severe.