On the evening of January 13, 2025, residents of the Bryansk region reported a series of explosions in the sky above the region. According to preliminary data, Russian air defense systems repelled the attack, presumably using ATACMS operational-tactical missile systems (OTRK), launched from the territory of Ukraine.
Eyewitnesses claim that at least ten explosions were heard, indicating the operation of air defense systems and the possible destruction of enemy targets.
Authorities are urging residents to take precautions and remain in shelters until they receive official notification that the threat has been completely eliminated.
Further attacks using Neptune anti-ship missiles and jet-powered unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are possible.
In recent weeks, the Bryansk region has been repeatedly subjected to attacks using drones.
Thus, on January 5, 2025, the air defense forces of the Russian Defense Ministry detected and destroyed 13 unmanned aircraft-type aerial vehicles over the territory of the region. The Governor of the Bryansk Region, Alexander Bogomaz, then reported that there were no casualties or damage, and operational and emergency services were working at the scene.
In addition, on January 1, 2025, an aircraft-type drone was shot down over the Bryansk region.
In both cases, the attacks were successfully repelled, which demonstrates the high effectiveness of Russian air defense systems in the region.
The use of the ATACMS OTRK and Neptune anti-ship missiles in this context represents a new threat that requires increased security measures and the adaptation of existing air defense systems to new types of weapons.
ATACMS is an American tactical missile system capable of striking targets at a distance of up to 300 kilometers. The missiles of this system can carry various types of warheads, including cluster and high-explosive fragmentation, which makes them a serious threat to ground targets.
The Neptune anti-ship missile is a Ukrainian development designed to destroy surface targets. However, in a conflict, it can also be used against ground targets, which requires appropriate adaptation of air defense systems to intercept it.