Air, Ground, and Maritime Assets Lost by Russian Forces in December

December Overview: Russian Air, Ground, and Naval Losses

December 2025 delivered a substantial tally of destroyed Russian military equipment and weapons systems. Hostile aircraft were shot down, radar systems were burned out or disabled, and surface-to-air missile systems were blown apart into scrap metal. At sea — in both the Black Sea and the Caspian — Russian vessels encountered Ukraine’s evolving approach to maritime demilitarization, as naval drones sent several ships the same way as the missile cruiser Moskva.

In this latest Ukrinform review, we look at the most significant losses in weapons and military hardware sustained by Russian forces at the end of last year.

FINAL DIAGNOSIS: EJECTION-SEAT PHOBIA

December proved particularly costly for Russian combat aircraft fleet. The month saw a noticeable reduction in the number of Russian pilots operating from forward airfields, as Ukrainian air defense and strike capabilities continued to take a heavy toll on enemy aircraft.

MiG-29 multirole fighter aircraft

On December 4, 2025, Ukrainian military intelligence struck a Russian MiG-29 at an airbase in occupied Crimea

On December 4, 2025, operators from Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence (HUR) hit a Russian MiG-29 multirole fighter aircraft at the Kacha military airfield in occupied Crimea. While aircraft of this type are not the most modern in the Russian Aerospace Forces’ inventory, the loss of any combat aircraft remains significant for Moscow.

The financial cost of a destroyed MiG-29 varies depending on its age, configuration and level of modernization. Older versions, such as the MiG-29SMT, are typically valued at between $20 million and $30 million, while more extensively modernized variants can exceed $30 million.

Less than a week later, another strike by Ukrainian intelligence in Crimea resulted in the destruction of an An-26 military transport aircraft. The plane was reportedly carrying aircrew, including helicopter pilots tasked with hunting Ukrainian drones.

The incident underscored Ukraine’s growing ability to target Russian aviation assets in occupied territory, further degrading Moscow’s operational capacity and increasing the cost of sustaining its air campaign.

An-26 military transport aircraft

Ukraine disables Russian Il-38N maritime patrol aircraft at Yeysk air base

In mid-December, Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) disabled a Russian Il-38N maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare aircraft at the Yeysk air base.

The Il-38N is designed for maritime reconnaissance, submarine detection, sea-lane surveillance, mine-laying operations and torpedo strikes against surface targets. According to Ukrainian officials, the aircraft had been actively involved in countering Ukraine’s naval drone operations. Its value is estimated at about $24 million.

The SBU said that, as a result, Russia lost its only aircraft in the Black Sea theater capable of detecting subsurface drones such as the “Sub Sea Baby” while they are en route to their targets—further constraining Moscow’s ability to protect naval assets and lines of communication.

Il-38N maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare aircraft

To strike the Il-38N, the SBU employed a modern unmanned aerial vehicle armed with an air-burst warhead designed for above-ground detonation. The warhead contained approximately 2,000 downward-directed fragmentation elements.

The device detonated directly above the aircraft’s main equipment and radar compartment, damaging critical onboard systems and one of the engines, according to Ukrainian officials.

MiG-31 fighter jet / SBU photo

Overnight on December 18, long-range drones operated by the Security Service of Ukraine’s Alpha Special Operations Center struck the Belbek military airfield in Russian-occupied Crimea. The attack reportedly hit a MiG-31 fighter jet configured for carrying Kinzhal hypersonic missiles and loaded with a full combat loadout.

The estimated value of the aircraft ranges between $30 million and $50 million, depending on configuration and armament, according to Ukrainian sources.

Su-27 fighter jet / SBU photo

Ukrainian security forces did not stop there. On December 20, drones struck two more Russian aircraft — Su-27 fighter jets -- at the same airfield. Long-range UAVs hit the base while one of the aircraft, loaded with a full combat load, was on a taxiway preparing for a combat sortie. The aircraft was destroyed, along with its pilot.

The estimated combined value of the two Su-27 jets is around $70 million, according to open-source assessments.

The operation was followed by a separate strike carried out by Ukraine’s military intelligence agency (HUR). During the night of December 20–21, a fire broke out at a Russian military airbase near Lipetsk, bringing to ashes two Su-30 fighter jets.

HUR said planning for the operation took two weeks and involved studying patrol routes, guard rotation schedules and other security measures at the facility. Ukrainian operatives were able to infiltrate the airbase, sabotage the aircraft inside a reinforced hangar and withdraw without losses.

Su-30 fighter jet

The estimated combined value of the fighter aircraft destroyed — jets Russia has been using in its war against Ukraine — may amount to up to $100 million, according to open-source assessments.

Following the release of details about the operation by Ukrainian authorities, Russian pro-war bloggers claimed that the airbase’s regular security unit had previously been redeployed to frontline combat operations. According to these accounts, the facility was subsequently guarded by an inadequately trained auxiliary security force.

Separately, Russia also lost a An-22 military transport aircraft operated by the Russian Defense Ministry.

On December 9, the aircraft broke apart mid-air and crashed into the Uvod Reservoir in Russia’s Ivanovo Oblast, resulting in the loss of the plane, which is estimated to be worth $10–20 million.

Russian authorities reported that all seven crew members were killed. Investigators are examining why no ejection attempts were made prior to the crash.

An-22 military transport aircraft in Russia’s MoD inventory

One possible explanation for the unusual collective behavior observed among Russian aircrews is ejection-seat anxiety. A day before the crash, in one regiment of the Russian Aerospace Forces, the ejection system of a bomber parked inside a hangar was inadvertently activated, killing both the navigator and the pilot who were inside the cockpit when they were propelled into the concrete ceiling of the shelter.

Notably, in at least two cases enemy aircraft were destroyed virtually immediately prior to takeoff, while still on the runway. This suggests that Russian radar systems either failed to detect Ukrainian aerial strike assets or detected them too late. As a result, the systematic degradation of the occupying forces’ radar capabilities is beginning to produce tangible effects. Russian air defenses are increasingly losing situational awareness, while the domestic defense industry is unable to replace, at sufficient rates, the expensive high-technology radar and surface-to-air missile systems destroyed by Ukrainian strikes.

UKRAINIAN DRONES ARE, OF COURSE, NOT “STEALTH”

On December 4, 2025, an Irtysh airfield radar complex near the currently occupied city of Simferopol in Crimea was struck by the Ukrainian Defense Forces.

Irtysh airfield radar complex

The Irtysh airfield radar complex is a Russian specialized system designed to detect and track down aerial targets in the vicinity of airfields.

Irtysh-type systems are intended for surveillance of the airfield zone and for detecting aircraft, helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles approaching the airfield. In addition, they are used for air traffic control purposes, providing coordinate data to airfield control and dispatch services.

In a military context, these complexes are integrated into the broader air defense network to provide early warning of aerial threats.

The destruction of this system formed part of a systematic effort to weaken the air defense and radar surveillance capabilities of occupying forces over Crimea.

The exact cost of the Irtysh airfield radar complex has not been disclosed in publicly accessible sources. However, given that it is specialized military equipment, its estimated value likely ranges from several million to several tens of millions of U.S. dollars.

On December 10–11, 2025, also in Crimea, two additional high-value radar systems were destroyed: the 55Zh6M Nebo-M radar and the dome-enclosed 64N6E radar, which served as a key detection component for S-300 and S-400 air defense systems.

The estimated cost of the Russian multifunctional mobile radar system 55Zh6M Nebo-M exceeds USD 100 million per unit.

55Zh6M Nebo-M radar system

The high cost of the system is explained by its characteristics and terformances and its intended role. It is designed to detect and track both aerodynamic targets (aircraft and drones) and ballistic targets at medium and high altitudes.

Its detection range reaches up to 600 kilometers in all-round surveillance mode. According to the manufacturer’s specifications, the 55Zh6M Nebo-M is capable of detecting low-observable targets built using stealth technology, including aircraft such as the F-22 and F-35.

Kasta-2E2 radar system

On December 13, 2025, the difficulties faced by Russian air defense in Crimea continued. Two additional high-value enemy radar systems were destroyed: the 39N6 Kasta-2E2 radar and the 96L6 radar, which is an integral component of the S-400 Triumf surface-to-air missile system.

The 39N6 Kasta-2E2 radar station is a vehicle-based, two-coordinate, decimeter-band system providing all-round surveillance. It is designed to monitor airspace, determine coordinates, and identify aerial targets, including those operating at extremely low altitudes.

The station is capable of determining target track characteristics and flight altitude by detecting targets in the lower beam, upper beam, or both simultaneously. Information on target coordinates and trajectory parameters is transmitted to air defense, aerospace forces, and army air defense command-and-control systems via radio channels or cable communication lines, with support for digital and analog interfacing.

The radar is also used for air traffic control and airspace monitoring in airfield zones.

The value of the 39N6 Kasta-2E2 radar system is estimated at approximately USD 60 million.

96L6 radar system

Among the notable features of the second destroyed radar system is that the 96L6 (or 96L6E) is an all-altitude detection radar—a mobile, all-round surveillance and target-designation radar operating in the C-band frequency range. It is designed for use as part of the S-300 and S-400 surface-to-air missile systems.

The primary function of the 96L6 radar is the detection and tracking of aerodynamic and ballistic targets at low, medium, and high altitudes. It can operate either autonomously or as part of an integrated air defense system.

The station provides target detection at altitudes of up to 100 kilometers and at ranges of up to 300 kilometers.

At the same time, it classifies four distinct types of targets: aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles, and missiles. It is also known that the radar employs frequency-hopping technology to protect against active jamming and strong fixed clutter.

Serial production of this system has been carried out by the Lianozovo Electromechanical Plant (part of the Almaz-Antey air defense concern) since at least 2007. The estimated cost of the 96L6E radar station (or its variants) exceeds USD 5 million per unit.

Imbir radar system

On December 14, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported the destruction, in the temporarily occupied territory of Donetsk Oblast, of an Imbir radar station—a self-propelled radar that forms part of the S-300V surface-to-air missile system.

The station is capable of detecting ballistic targets at ranges between 75 and 175 kilometers.

The exact cost of an individual 9S19 Imbir vehicle has not been officially disclosed. However, given that a complete S-300V battalion may be valued at more than USD 150–200 million, the estimated cost of a single high-technology radar of this type is approximately USD 10–20 million, depending on its modernization level and configuration.

55Zh6 Nebo-U radar system. On the night of December 18, a strike was recorded against a 55Zh6 Nebo-U radar station in the area of Hvardiiske, in occupied Crimea

It should be noted that the Ukrainian Defense Forces have been striking expensive and scarce enemy Nebo-class radar systems with notable regularity. One of the first radars of this type was destroyed as early as August 2022 in the southern operational direction, and since then Ukrainian defenders have repeatedly eliminated these major radar assets.

Experts emphasize the importance of destroying this category of radar equipment because various Nebo-class systems employ phased-array antennas and operate in the meter-wave band. According to their declared characteristics, this enables them to detect aircraft designed using stealth technology, conduct long-range airspace surveillance, and provide target designation to other air defense assets while operating within an integrated information network.

The first radar of the Nebo family, the 55Zh6, entered service with the Soviet Armed Forces in 1986. In practice, there are two main branches of these systems. One branch is intended for the air forces in a relatively low-mobility configuration and includes the Nebo, Nebo-U, Nebo-UM, and Nebo-T, the latter appearing in the early 2020s. These variants primarily differ in their level of digitalization, sensitivity, and resistance to electronic countermeasures.

At the same time, the Nebo-SV 1L13 radar and its modernized version, the Nebo-SVU 1L119, are designed for air defense of ground forces. Their integration into ground formations necessitated higher mobility requirements, accompanied by a corresponding reduction in certain tactical and technical performance parameters relative to stationary variants.

It is noteworthy that during the night of December 18, Ukrainian forces successfully struck two Nebo-SVU radar detection systems at the Belbek airfield.

The fact that Russian forces are now compelled to use radars of this type in Crimea to defend strategic facilities—roles for which they were not primarily intended—is indicative of a significant shortage of stationary Nebo variants. This, in turn, increases gaps in the peninsula’s air defense coverage.

Against this background, the estimated unit cost of a single Nebo-SVU radar, ranging from USD 60 to 100 million, is largely a secondary consideration.

Moreover, alongside the two Nebo-SVU systems, Ukrainian drone strikes also hit a 92N6 radar, a key component of the S-400 Triumf surface-to-air missile system. Its estimated cost is approximately USD 30 million for domestic procurement and up to USD 60 million for export versions.

Nebo-SVU radar system

Ultimately, on the night of December 26, the Unmanned Systems Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine destroyed yet another Nebo-SVU radar system belonging to the Crimean grouping of Russian occupying forces.

WHICH EXPLODES MORE SPECTACULARLY: PANTSIR, BUK, OR TOR?

In addition to the radar component of Russia’s air defense network, another key element—the surface-to-air missile units—also sustained significant losses in December.

Thus, on December 6, 2025, coinciding with the Armed Forces of Ukraine Day, a Buk-M3 surface-to-air missile system was destroyed.

Another high-value air defense system of the Russian occupying forces was eliminated by Ukrainian troops in the currently occupied part of Zaporizhzhia Oblast, near the settlement of Sviatotroitske.

On December 10, the Unmanned Systems Forces destroyed two units of the Tor-M1 self-propelled surface-to-air missile system, as well as an additional Buk-M3 system.

On December 14, Ukrainian military had struck a Tor-M2 surface-to-air missile system deployed in a currently occupied area of Zaporizhzhia Oblast. On the same day, in the vicinity of the settlement of Raevka in Russia’s Belgorod Oblast, soldiers of the 15th Separate Artillery Reconnaissance Brigade “Black Forest” destroyed two S-400 launcher vehicles along with related ammunition loads.

S-400 SAM launcher vehicle

As for the Tor-M2, it should be noted that this is a short-range surface-to-air missile system designed to provide air defense at the divisional level. As of 2026, it remains one of the Russian military’s primary means of countering precision-guided munitions, unmanned aerial vehicles, and aircraft.

A key feature of the system is its ability to engage targets with missiles while on the move, a capability that is considered distinctive for air defense systems in this class.

Tor-M2 SAM system

The Tor-M2 is equipped with 16 9M338 surface-to-air missiles, which feature an expanded engagement envelope and improved accuracy. The system is capable of simultaneously engaging up to four targets, detecting them at ranges of up to 32 kilometers.

The estimated cost of a single Tor-M2 surface-to-air missile system as of 2025–2026 is approximately USD 25–27 million. This price places the Tor-M2 among the most expensive short-range air defense systems, which explains the high priority assigned to its destruction on the battlefield using comparatively inexpensive FPV drones.

Pantsir-S2 surface-to-air missile system

On December 18 at the Belbek airfield outside currently occupied Sevastopol, not only enemy radar systems and a MiG-31 fighter aircraft were destroyed, but also a Pantsir-S2 surface-to-air missile system. Its estimated cost is approximately USD 12 million for domestic procurement and up to USD 19 million for export versions.

More broadly, during the first winter month Ukrainian defenders marked more than just the Day of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. In the days preceding Christmas, in currently occupied Crimea, a launcher vehicle of the S-300V air defense system was destroyed. On December 31, in the Huliaipole and Orikhiv operational directions, two additional surface-to-air missile systems—a Buk-M3 and a Tor-M2—were eliminated in rapid succession.

Buk-M3 medium-range surface-to-air missile system

Notably, the Buk-M3 is a Russian self-propelled medium-range surface-to-air missile system that entered service relatively recently, in 2016. As of 2026, it remains one of the most modern air defense systems in service with Russia’s ground forces.

The system has an engagement range of up to 70 kilometers against aircraft and maneuvering targets, at altitudes from 15 meters to 35 kilometers. The missile’s flight speed reaches up to 1,550 m/s (9M317M missile).

The complex is capable of engaging up to 36 targets simultaneously. Its target set includes aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, tactical ballistic missiles, as well as ground and surface targets.

Unlike earlier versions of this air defense system, the Buk-M3 stores its missiles in sealed transport-launch canisters, which protect them from environmental exposure.

The self-propelled firing unit carries six missiles, while the launcher-loader vehicle carries twelve missiles.

The estimated cost of a single Buk-M3 battalion is approximately USD 40–50 million.

ON THE COURSE OF THE RUSSIAN WARSHIP

On December 15, the Security Service of Ukraine carried out another special operation, resulting in an underwater explosion in the port of Novorossiysk. For the first time on record, Sub Sea Baby underwater drones struck a Russian Project 636.3 submarine (Varshavyanka class, NATO designation: Kilo).

As a result of the explosion, the submarine sustained critical damage and was effectively put out of action.

Russian Project 636.3 submarine Varshavyanka class

The submarine was carrying four Kalibr cruise missile launchers, which Russia has used to conduct strikes against Ukrainian territory.

The operation was conducted jointly by the 13th Main Directorate of the Security Service of Ukraine’s Military Counterintelligence and the Naval Forces of Ukraine.

The cost of a Varshavyanka-class submarine is estimated at approximately USD 400 million. Taking into account international sanctions, the construction of a comparable submarine today could cost up to USD 500 million. This class of submarines is also known by the nickname “Black Hole” due to the hull’s sound-absorbing properties, which reduce detectability by sonar.

It should be recalled that the damaged submarine had been forced to remain in the port of Novorossiysk following successful special operations by Sea Baby surface maritime drones, which pushed Russian ships and submarines out of Sevastopol Bay in currently occupied Crimea.

Subsequently, the Security Service of Ukraine reported that one of the key phases of the operation involved disabling a Russian Il-38N anti-submarine warfare aircraft, which could have interfered with the strike on the enemy submarine and whose destruction had been mentioned above.

On the night of December 19, 2025, the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, using strike drones, successfully hit the patrol ship Rasul Gamzatov, Project 22460 Okhotnik (hull number 511).

Patrol ship Rasul Gamzatov, Project 22460 Okhotnik (hull number 511)

The targeted ship was operating in the waters of the Caspian Sea, near an oil and gas production platform, and belonged to the Coast Guard of the Border Service of the Federal Security Service of the Republic of Dagestan.

Vessels of Project 22460 are designed for state border protection, search-and-rescue operations, and environmental monitoring.

They have a displacement of approximately 630 tons and a maximum speed of up to 30 knots.

Armament includes a 30-mm AK-630 automatic artillery gun system and two 12.7-mm Kord heavy machine guns.

Notable features include a flight deck suitable for a light helicopter (such as the Ka-226) or an unmanned aerial vehicle, as well as a stern slipway for a high-speed boat.

Another noteworthy detail is that early Okhotnik-class vessels were equipped with German MTU engines; however, after 2015, due to sanctions, Russian shipbuilders were forced to switch to Chinese CHD622V20 equivalents.

According to Russian government procurement database, the cost of a single Project 22460 vessel under contracts signed between 2014 and 2017 ranged from 2.45 to 2.57 billion rubles. In U.S. dollar terms (at exchange rates prevailing at the time of construction), this amounted to approximately USD 35 million.

Ivan Stupak, Kyiv

Photos from publicly available sources