S-400 missile system


The S-400 Triumf, previously known as the S-300PMU-3, is an anti-aircraft weapon system developed in the 1990s by Russia's Almaz Central Design Bureau as an upgrade of the S-300 family. It has been in service with the Russian Armed Forces since 2007.
In 2017, the S-400 was described by The Economist as "one of the best air-defence systems currently made", and Siemon Wezeman of Stockholm International Peace Research Institute said it "is among the most advanced air defense systems available." China, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, India, and Qatar expressed their appreciation for the S-400 system, and China was the first foreign buyer to make a government-to-government deal with Russia in 2014.

Development

The development of the S-400 system began in the late 1980s, and the system was announced by the Russian Air Force in January 1993. On 12 February 1999, successful tests were reported at Kapustin Yar in Astrakhan, and the S-400 was scheduled for deployment by the Russian army in 2001. Dr Alexander Lemanskiy of Almaz-Antey was the Chief Engineer on the S-400 project.
In 2003, it became apparent that the system was not ready for deployment. In August, two high-ranking military officials expressed concern that the S-400 was being tested with "obsolete" interceptors from the S-300P system and concluded that it was not ready for deployment. The completion of the project was announced in February 2004, and in April, a ballistic missile was successfully intercepted in a test of the upgraded 48N6DM missile. In 2007, the system was approved for service. Russia has accepted for service the 40N6 long-range missile for the S-400 air defence system, a source in the domestic defense industry told TASS news agency in October 2018.
The S-400 Triumf and Pantsir missile system can be integrated into a two-layer defense system.

Structure

S-400 missile systems are organized around the 30K6E administration system, which can coordinate eight divizion.
The 55K6E is a command and control center based on the Ural-532301. The 91N6E is a panoramic radar detection system with a 600-kilometre range and protection against jamming, and is mounted on an MZKT-7930. The S-band system can track 300 targets. Six battalions of 98ZH6E surface-to-air missile systems can track no more than six targets on their own, with an additional two battalions if they are within a range. The 92N6E is a multi-functional radar with a range, which can track 100 targets. The 5P85TE2 launcher and the 5P85SE2 on a trailer are used for launch. The 48N6E, 48N6E2, 48N6E3, 48N6DM, 9M96E, 9M96E2, and the ultra-long-range 40N6E missiles have been authorised by a Russian presidential decree. According to the Russian government, the S-400 utilizes an active electronically scanned array.
Optional elements of the S-400 include the 15I6ME–98ZH6E, which extends coverage 30, 60 and 90 km from that provided by the 30K6E. The 96L6E has a detection range. The 40B6M is housing for the 92N6E or 96L6E radar. The Protivnik-GE is an anti-stealth UHF radar with a range. The Moscow-1 passive sensor is times more effective than the Protivnik, with a range Orion for a target-designation on-the-air defense system, and the Avtobaza-M and Orion+ Avtobaza add high-precision detection. The 1RL220BE versions were reportedly used for jamming. The -range S-200D Dubna missiles and S-300 P-family radar systems can be used without additional command-and-control centers. S-300 missiles may also be guided.
A-50 and A-50U aircraft provide early warning and command-and-control target designation.
The 30К6Е control system can be integrated with the S-400 Triumf 98ZH6E system; the S-300PMU2 ; the S-300PMU1 ; the Tor-M1 through the Ranzhir-M battery-command post; the Pantsir-S1 through the lead battery vehicle. The Protivnik-GE and Gamma-DE radars, integrated with the 92H6E radar system, enables communication between each battery with Baikal-E senior command posts and similar types; nearby 30К6Е, 83М6Е and 83М6Е2 administration systems; the Polyana-D4М1 command post; fighter-aircraft command post, and mobile long-range radars. The system's VHF component provides sector search-and-tracking, with the X- and L-band components providing fine-tracking capability. Good placement of the radars relative to the threat axis enables the L- and X-band components to illuminate the incoming target from angles where the target radar cross-section is sub-optimal. The RLM-S and RLM-D have better elevation-tracking accuracy than the RLM-M, and the Nebo M should be capable of producing high-quality tracks suitable for mid-course guidance of modern surface-to-air missiles and trajectory guidance of legacy SAMs.
The Gamma-C1E SHF mobile radar station has a detection range. The Nebo VHF mobile radar station and the Resonance-NE radar station have a detection range of, and to a height of. All Nebo-family locators are doubled for army air defense. During the 1970s, the long-range mobile UHF 5H87, and SHF 5H69 low-altitude locators were used. A goal of the 1980s was detection at a height of at a distance of. The Elbrus-90 computer is used to control the system.
For export to foreign customers, for integrating existing customer air defense systems, additional work on improvement of the 30K6E administration system for information technology pairing with anti-kets is in progress.

Components

The 91N6E panoramic radar Has a declared anti-stealth targeting range of
Maximum targeting ranges are:
high-altitude radar
The 96L6 high-altitude detector radar and equipment operates independently of the 96L6E low-level radar detector. The 96L6E2 export version can track a maximum of 100 targets, and is resistant to false returns of clutter in mountainous terrain. It can perform the functions of a command post for battalions of S-300 or S-400. 96L6-1 of S-400 and S-500. It serves as the command post for the battalions.
Missiled are launched from 5P85TE2 self-propelled launchers or 5P85SE2 trailer launchers operating in conjunction with a BAZ-64022 or MAZ-543M tractor-trailer. A new type of transporter was introduced in 2014 to improve mobility while reducing fuel consumption. The cost of transporters in 2014 is 8.7 million rubles.

Missiles

One system comprising up to eight divizion can control up to 72 launchers, with a maximum of 384 missiles carrying the long-range 40N6 may only be able to hold two missiles instead of the typical four due to their large size. Another test recorded a 9M96 missile using an active radar homing head, that reached a height of 56 km. All the missiles are equipped with directed explosion warhead, which increases the probability of complete destruction of targets. In 2016, Russian anti-aircraft missile troops received new guided missiles for S-300 and S-400 defense systems. The anti-aircraft missile system, designed to destroy aircraft, cruise, and ballistic missiles, can also be used against ground targets. The S-400 is able to intercept cruise missiles at a range of about 40 km due to their low-altitude flight paths.
GRAU indexRangeAltitudeMaximum velocityMaximum target velocityWeightWarheadGuidanceNotes
E1190 m/s 1,893 kgSemi-active radar homing or
active radar homing		With an active radar homing head, climbs to designated altitude then guidance switches to search & destroy mode.
Effective against low-altitude targets at extremely long range.
/
Semi-active radar homing
Semi-active radar homing
and
Active radar homingHigh hit probability with one missile against fast, maneuvering targets. Aircraft = 0.9; UAV = 0.8; Missile = 0.7.
Load factor of more than 20 g at 30 km altitude greatly increases the probability to destroy short- to medium-range ballistic missiles.
Active radar homingTargeting at the radio horizon, with homing action to aid interception of low-flying targets at long range. Optical and infrared range of 9M96 versions combined with approximate figures from long-wavelength radar can detect and home-in on stealth targets.

Morpheus defence system

Russia

A regular S-400 battalion consists of at least eight launchers with 32 missiles and a mobile command post. On 21 May 2007, the Russian Air Force announced that S-400 would be put on combat duty around Moscow and Central Russia by 1 July 2007. The S-400 was also deployed near the town of Elektrostal.
On 6 August 2007, the first regiment equipped with S-400 entered active service in Moscow Oblast near Elektrostal, according to Channel One Russia. This was the 606th Guards Anti-air Rocket Regiment, 9th PVO Division, 1st PVO Corps, of the Special Purpose Command.
On 8 February 2008, Lt. Gen. Vladimir Sviridov announced that Russia would be replacing the S-300 systems in the Northwest of Russia with the S-400. Russian military experts expected that Russia plans for this system to be in place and represent a major component of their ballistic missile defense system until 2020.
In September 2006, Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Ivanov announced a new state program of armaments for 2007–15. This program provides for the purchase of 18 missile battalions of S-400s.
On 17 March 2009, Russia's defense minister announced that a second regiment equipped with advanced S-400 Triumf air defense missile systems had been put into combat service.
On 26 August 2009, the General Staff said S-400 systems had been deployed in the Russian Far East to counter possible North Korean missile tests and prevent fragments from falling onto Russian territory.
In February 2011, a second unit of S-400 missile systems was deployed at Dubrovki, north of Moscow. The 210th Air Defense Regiment consists of two battalions, each consisting of eight launch points, each with four missiles. In February 2011, it was also announced that the missile system will be deployed in the southern Kuril Islands "to protect Russia's sovereignty in the Far East".
The Baltic Fleet in Kaliningrad received S-400 SAM systems which went into operational status in April 2012. One S-400 divizion is deployed on combat duty in the Russian far east city Nakhodka.
As of 2012, one system was operational, with three more S-400 battalions being deployed. All 56 battalions will be delivered by 2020. Russia is also setting up two regiments of S-400 in the Eastern Military district.
As of September 2013, the Russian Armed Forces had five S-400 regiments: two in Moscow, one in the Pacific fleet, one in the Baltic Fleet, and one in the Southern Military District. From 2014, the army was to receive two to three sets of regimental units of S-400 systems every year. Another S-400 regiment was to be put on combat duty around Moscow by the end of 2013. Russia plans to have 28 S-400 regiments by 2020, each comprising two or three battalions with four systems each, mainly in maritime and border areas.
In November 2015, it was announced that when the Kirov-class battlecruiser Admiral Nakhimov will be recommissioned to the Russian Navy in 2018, it will be equipped with the 48N6DMK anti-aircraft missile derived from the land-based S-400. The inclusion of the 48N6DMK into the Kirov's arsenal extends its air defense range from with the 48N6E2 missile from the S-300FM to. Northern Fleet Commander Adm. Vladimir Korolev commented in that same year that Russia's Northern Fleet's Coastal Forces had deployed S-400s.
On 1 March 2016, the acting commander of the 14th Air Force and Air Defense Army, major general Vladimir Korytkov, said that six S-400 units had been activated according to his order in the anti-aircraft missile regiment of the Novosibirsk air defense formation in Russia's Novosibirsk Oblast. TASS also reported that as of the end of 2015, a total of eleven Russian missile regiments were armed with S-400, and by the end of 2016 their number was expected to increase to sixteen.

2015 Russian military intervention in Syria

In November 2015, it was reported S-400 will be deployed to Syria, along with the contingent of Russian troops and other military hardware in the course of the air campaign conducted by the Russian forces on the side of the Syrian government. However, those claims were refuted by Russia. On 25 November 2015, the Russian government announced it would deploy S-400s in Syria as a response to the downing of its Su-24M jet by Turkey. On 26 November 2015, deployment of S-400 air defense systems to Syria was underway. The first S-400 unit was activated at the Khmeimim Air Base in Latakia Governorate.
In April and July 2017, a second S-400 unit was activated 13 km northwest of Masyaf, Hama Governorate.

Belarus

On 24 August 2007, Belarus submitted a formal request for supply of two S-400 battalions. In 2011, State Secretary of the Union State of Russia and Belarus Pavel Borodin has stated that Russia will supply the S-400 air defense system to Belarus. In June 2016, Belarus received two S-400 units free of charge from Russia.

China

In March 2014, it was announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin had given authorization to sell the S-400 system to China. On 13 April 2015, the chief executive of the Russian state-run arms trader Rosoboronexport confirmed that China secured a contract for the purchase of the S-400 air defence systems. Delivery of the system began in January 2018. China test fired Russian S-400 systems for the first time in early August 2018.
The acquisition of S-400, reported to initially consist of six batteries, significantly improved the country's ability to defend its own air space and served as an effective stand-off weapon against air attacks. With a coverage range, aircraft in disputed areas off the coast could be targeted by SAMs from the mainland; all of Taiwan could be covered from Fujian, and the Diaoyu Islands could be covered from Shandong, making it difficult for the US and Japan to deploy combat aircraft over those airspaces. Taiwan sought to address these potential advantages by locating activated S-400 batteries using extensive signals intelligence units and destroying them with stand-off weapons, cruise and ballistic missiles, and anti-radiation missiles.
Although viewed as a "game changer" in the region, several factors may constrain S-400's effectiveness in East Asia. Though the 40N6 missile has a range of 400 km, it is not known if such a missile is available for export. Even if China does acquire the missile, the disputed Diaoyu Islands would be at the limit of its range if stationed along the coast, as would the Indian capital New Delhi if stationed right on the border in the Himalaya Mountains. Against Taiwan, only the 40N6 could bring all its airspace in range, but deploying it along the coast of Fujian province at sea level would prevent it from locating low-level aircraft at long range due to the Earth's curvature; the shorter-range 48N6 would be even less useful against maneuvering targets at long range. These issues, along with dangers of misidentifying and engaging friendly aircraft at such great distances, may restrict Chinese S-400 to defensive purposes.

Turkey

In late 2017, the president of Turkey and Russian officials signed a US$2.5 billion agreement for delivery of the S-400 air defence system units. The US Secretary of State raised concerns over the deal, but President Erdogan and other Turkish officials rejected the US threat of sanctions, citing existing international protocols agreed to by Turkey and Russia and that the S-400 offer with Russia was a better deal than the MIM-104 Patriot system offered by US. Turkey received its first installment of the Russian S-400 missile defense system on 12 July 2019. The US threatened Turkey with CAATSA sanctions and on 17 July suspended Turkey from the F-35 program, stating "F-35 cannot coexist with a Russian intelligence collection platform that will be used to learn about its advanced capabilities". As of 2020, 4 batteries consisting of 36 fire units, and 192+ missiles were delivered to Turkey.

Saudi Arabia

In September 2009, it was reported that the S-400 was a part of a US$2 billion arms deal being negotiated between Russia and Saudi Arabia. The agreement was reportedly delayed due to Saudis trying to acquire the more advanced S-400 but Russia was willing to sell only the S-300 air defence systems at the time. In October 2017, agreement was reached about the delivery of the S-400 air defense systems to Saudi Arabia. In November 2019, it was reported that the deal had still not been finalized.

India

On 15 October 2016, during the BRICS Summit, India and Russia signed an Inter-governmental Agreement for the supply of five S-400 regiments. The US$5.43 billion deal was formally signed on 5 October 2018, ignoring threat of US sanctions. The deliveries are expected to commence by the end of 2020 and brought into service in October 2020. The United States threatened India with sanctions over India's decision to buy the S-400 missile defense system from Russia because India chose S-400 over American origin Patriot PAC 3.

Other foreign interest

Iran

In September 2007, Vice Chairman of Russia's State Duma, Vladimir Zhirinovsky, urged that "S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems should be delivered as soon as possible to enable Iran to defend its airspace.". In June 2019, amid tensions with the United States, some Iranian officials expressed interest for procurement of the S-400 missile system to further improve nation's defense capabilities along with previously bought S-300PMU2. Russia stated that it is ready to sell the S-400 system to Iran if an official request is made.

South Korea

South Korea is developing a simplified medium range SAM system, M-SAM Cheolmae-2, based on technology from the 9M96 missile and with help of the Almaz. The prime contractor is Samsung Thales, a joint venture between Samsung and Thales. The M-SAM will be composed of an X band multi-function radar vehicle built by Samsung Thales in technical cooperation with Almaz, fire-control vehicles and transporter erector launchers built by Doosan, and missiles provided by LIG Nex1.

Egypt

In February 2017, Sergey Chemezov, CEO of Rostec, stated that Egypt was interested in the S-400 air defense system. He explained that Russia offered to sell Egypt either the Antey-2500 or S-400. According to Chemezov, the negotiations were delayed due to Egypt's financial issues.

Iraq

In February 2018, Iraqi Minister of Foreign Affairs Ibrahim al-Jaafari confirmed ongoing rumors that his country had shown interest in the S-400 and that negotiations with Russia were underway. In May 2019, the ambassador of Iraq to Russia, Haidar Mandour Hadi, said that the Iraqi government had decided to procure the S-400 air defence system.

Qatar

In January 2018, Russian state media TASS reported that Qatar was in an advanced state of talks to procure the S-400 air defense system.

Pakistan

Prime Minister Imran Khan stated on RT that Pakistan had the option of purchasing the S-400 air defense system from Russia but would not be doing so for the time being.

United States of America

In June 2020, United States’s Senate Majority Whip, John Thune, R-S.D., proposed an amendment to the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act to allow the US Department of Defense to purchase Turkey’s S-400 system, using the U.S. Army’s missile procurement account. The reasoning is that this would remove the issue of Turkey having a foreign military system that contravenes the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act of 2017, under which a nation procuring a major defense article from Russia faces major sanctions. This would then allow the USA to re-integrate Turkey into the F-35 Lightning II acquisition and ownership program.

Operators

Current operators

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Turkish Air Force: