---
title: "Operation 'Polyphemus': How systematic strikes on radars in Bryansk opened the skies over Moscow and St. Petersburg"
description: "Ukrainian drones breached air defense in the Bryansk region: Operation 'Polyphemus' opened the skies over Moscow and St. Petersburg. Systematic strikes on radars allowed for the destruction of the 'Dubna' communications center and other targets deep in the rear. 🚁🛰️🇺🇦"
date: 2026-06-30T18:14:00.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/operation-polyphemus-ukrainian-drones-breached-air-defense-in-bryansk
tags: []
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Operation 'Polyphemus': How systematic strikes on radars in Bryansk opened the skies over Moscow and St. Petersburg

![Drone operator in FPV goggles controls an unmanned aerial vehicle against a clear sky, illustrating radar strike tactics in Operation Polyphemus](https://xab.info/media/2026/06/30/operatsiya-polifem-ukrainskie-drony-proryvali-pvo-v-bryanske/operatsiya-polifem-ukrainskie-drony-proryvali-pvo-v-bryanske-1.webp)

The situation with air defense on the Russian front has undergone significant changes. According to Ukrainian military data, the execution of systematic strikes on radar complexes in the Bryansk region created a critical gap in the tiered defense system. This event, reported by RBK-Ukraine citing the 1st Separate Center of Unmanned Systems of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, became a key factor enabling long-range drones to reach targets in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Ust-Luga.

### Gap in the Air Defense System and Operation 'Polyphemus'

Operators of the 'Roni' group from the 1st Separate Center focused their efforts on destroying radars of the Flight Control and Management System (FCMS) located in the Bryansk region. These nodes are responsible for monitoring airspace in the strategically important direction of the Russian capital. The military emphasizes that it was precisely the suppression of these sensors that allowed Deep Strike long-range drones to successfully overcome defense lines.

The unit released a video demonstrating the course of the operation, named 'Polyphemus'. According to the military, this campaign significantly increased the effectiveness of drone flights in the northern direction. A statement from the Unmanned Systems Forces included a metaphor: 'When the enemy loses its 'eyes', the sky becomes open for our long-range strikes'.

Specialists at the center note that restoring the damaged section of the Russian air defense will require significant resources and time from the adversary. Meanwhile, according to the military statement, the process of exhausting the defense system will continue.

### Targets in the deep rear: from Dubna to St. Petersburg

The opening of an air corridor allowed Ukrainian forces to strike objects located at a significant distance from the border. In particular, drone attacks have been regularly recorded in the Moscow region recently.

One of the most resonant events was a massive attack that took place on the night of June 30. As a result of the strikes, the 'Dubna' space communications center was hit. This facility, located more than 500 kilometers from the Ukrainian border, plays a key role in Russian infrastructure, providing satellite communications, reconnaissance, and coordination of occupation forces.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine first reported the damage to the 'Dubna' complex on June 22. At that time, damage to the 32-meter Mark-IV antenna and the technical building of the complex was confirmed. The repeated strike on the facility, reported by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, indicates that Russian air defense means are currently unable to ensure reliable protection of strategically important command and control centers from high-precision strikes.