Syrian rebels have successfully captured a modern Russian-made Podlet-K1 (48Ya6-K1) low-altitude surveillance radar system from the base of the Syrian regime’s 25th Special Forces Division, a unit closely tied to President Bashar al-Assad.
The Podlet-K1 radar is an advanced mobile 3D radar that operates in the 2-4 GHz band, also known as the S-Band. It is capable of detecting, tracking, and guiding targets—particularly low-flying objects—at ranges of up to 100 kilometers.
The Podlet-K1 is mounted on three separate KamAZ-6350 8×8 vehicles, which include an antenna vehicle, an operator control station, and an energy support vehicle. This advanced radar system’s mobility and sophistication make it a valuable tool for detecting aerial threats, particularly those flying at low altitudes such as drones, helicopters, and cruise missiles.
The capture of this radar system marks a significant gain for the rebel forces. The 25th Special Forces Division, also known as the Tiger Forces, has been instrumental in previous offensives by Assad’s government, and the loss of such an asset could present a major tactical challenge.
According to reports from the region, the rebels encountered minimal resistance as they entered the base. “The radar was abandoned, just sitting there, and they took it without a fight,” one local source stated. The radar’s capture is viewed as a setback for Assad’s military capabilities in the area, given that advanced radars like the modern Russian-made Podlet-K1 play a crucial role in airspace management and defense.