New Delhi: The Russian media reported that Russia has decided to modify its S-400 and S-300 missiles and planning to make it more lethal and Economical to Operate.
After the modification, S-300 and S-400 air defence systems will be able to carry more than one type of missile and the launchers will be able to hit targets simultaneously with several types of missiles – both ultra-long-range and short-range missiles with high manoeuvrability, Russian Media reported.
Currently, the S-300 and S-400 can be equipped with only one type of missile.
Report says that after the modification, the choice of ammunition will be based on the tactical situation and the improved systems will radically increase the capabilities of the domestic air defence and will allow the creation of echeloned defence to defeat any targets.
Russia may add its super advance missile S-500, also known as 55R6M “Triumfator-M”, to the defence force by 2021.
The S-300 and S-400 are the most lethal Surface to Air Missile (SAM) systems and are designed to operate in integration, with both serving together to increase effectiveness as part of a much wider integrated Air Defense System (IADS).
The IADS consists of layers of SAMs, ranging from very short-range missiles to very long-range missiles to enhance Russia’s defence. It also incorporates different radars and sensors to detect different kinds of enemy targets.
A former deputy commander of the Joint Commonwealth of Independent States Air Defence System and retired Lieutenant General Aytech Bizhev said that combining different missiles from one launcher will result in the more rational use of the missiles. The decision to use one or another type of missile is made depending on the range and class of the air target.
“It is also desirable to have different means to destroy a light aircraft or a strategic bomber. Well, when there is a massive raid, missiles of all ranges will come in handy. Technically, such a project is not difficult to implement. The control system is the same, only the cruise engines and warheads are different,” Aytech Bizhev added.
According to the Russian state owned news agency, Russian air defence is equipped with at least 125 battalions of S-300s which is about 1,500 launchers total and 69 battalions of S-400s (552 launchers).
The S-300 entered service in 1978 and boasts versatility and accuracy. In 2018, the Ministry of Defence announced the adoption of a new long-range missile 40N6. S-400 along with modified S-300, the range reached 380 km and 35 km in height.
The S-400 that entered service in 2007 and it is capable of detecting and destroying aircraft and cruise and ballistic missiles, while also being capable of eliminating ground-based installations. S-400 can engage targets at a range of up to 400 kilometres, up to six times the speed of light, at heights of up to 30 kilometres along with providing stealth capabilities.
The former head of the anti-aircraft missile forces of the Russian Air Force – Alexander Gorkov said that “With modernized complexes, even one S-300PM or S-400 anti-aircraft battalion will be able to build an echeloned air defence. The air defence group, including anti-aircraft missile troops, performs a dual-task: it covers the object and protects itself,”
“For this, it needs different types of missiles. If the unit receives medium-range ammunition, which can be placed several times more, then it will be able to solve a whole range of tasks. At first, the complexes will destroy targets at distant approaches – up to 400 km. Then build up fire with other missiles with a range of 250 km. And the main power of fire will be concentrated on targets at a distance of up to 150 km.” Alexander Gorkov added.
_Vinayak.Barot
