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According to some sources the Russians have supplied the S-300 surface – air missiles to Syria, This in spite of Israel’s efforts to stop the deal.
But now the Russians offer some countries the new system the S-400.
The S-400, the next generation of air-defense systems, has the potential to create serious problems for fighter aces around the world.
“The 400 is an evolution of the 300. It has many features specifically designed to overcome countermeasures and stealth, such as a larger, more powerful radar that is more resistant to jamming. It also actually has a set of three missiles of varying range that provide overlapping layers of defense,” Ivan Oelrich, an independent defense analyst and adjunct professor at the Elliot School of International Affairs at George Washington University, told The Diplomat.
“The S-400, or Triumph, consists of a radar and several missiles. The main radar tracks targets, calculates an intercept course, and sends guidance signals to the missiles, directing them toward the target. When the missiles get close enough, they switch over to an independent, on-board guidance system for the final attack.”
Oelrich explained the system is not combat tested nor has it been sold outside of Russia, so information on the system is limited.
While such an advanced air-defense platform could certainly create problems for strategic planners, even the most advanced technologies like the S-400 require proper training.
“Even very capable weapons, especially sophisticated and complex systems, are of limited use when in the hands of poorly trained users and the missile would have to be part of a comprehensive air-defense system,” explains Orelich.
