MOSCOW, September 23. /TASS/. Russian Lancet reconnaissance and strike system crews and combat unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have destroyed an M119 towed howitzer, as well as a Paladin artillery system and two Bogdan systems of the Zaporozhye Region, Russia’s Defense Ministry reported.

The ministry noted that crews operating reconnaissance drones detected the movement of a US-made M119 towed howitzer, which was accompanied by a truck carrying ammunition.

"Strike UAV operators and a crew operating the Lancet loitering munition struck the identified target. The hits caused the ammunition load to detonate, resulting in the destruction of the M119 howitzer and the nearby truck," the ministry stated.

Reconnaissance teams also detected a camouflaged M109 Paladin self-propelled howitzer and two Bogdan self-propelled howitzers. The artillery pieces were in prepared positions and hidden in shelters in wooded areas. Attack UAV operators struck the shelters and the self-propelled howitzers. After being hit, the enemy positions caught fire, followed by explosions of ammunition.

"The destruction of the artillery systems reduced the Ukrainian armed forces’ capability to provide fire support to units and conduct counter-battery operations in this sector," the ministry said.