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SA-21 (Growler) / S-400 Triumf

2007 MODERN

SA-21 (Growler)/S-400 Story of Triumph

The modern Russian military has come a long way since the fall of the Soviet Empirein fact, its latest development has surprised many Western observers. The country has long championed a strong air defense network and has invested heavily in the field, resulting in systems such as the effective S-300 and the improved fourth-generation S-400 "Triumf" mobile surface-to-air missile (SAM). )series.

The S-300 entered the Soviet inventory in 1978 and remains a significant contributor to air defense, while the S-400 has been introduced in its evolutionary form since its inception in 2007. Both are remote systems with mature capabilities.

The S-400 system operates under the name SA-21 "Growler" in NATO nomenclature. Described as twice the size of previous Russian-made SAM units, it supports the launch of five different types of missiles.

The S-400 was designed by the Almaz/Antei Concern of Air Defense and built by the Fakel Machine Building Design Bureau. The system consists of a 6x6 wheeled heavy duty military truck, a two-axle trailer carrying the launch vehicle. The launcher contains four large rockets that rise to a vertical position when ready to launch.

The vehicle contains all the crew and serves as part of the Russian division. Work on the S-400 series began in the second half of the 1990s, albeit slowly and fraught with technical problems (understandable for such a complex product).

Testing took place before the end of the decade, but the initial rocket did not perform well, delaying its entry into service until the second half of the 2000s. Since then, it has become a mainstay of the Russian military.

The S-400 is designed to launch five different classes of missiles, covering medium-range, long-range and "ultra-long-range". This led to the development of at least three different missile types in the 9M96, 48N6 and 40N6 supporting the S-400 system. The cruising range of 9M96 can reach 120 kilometers, the cruising range of 48N6 can reach 250 kilometers, and the cruising range of 40N6 can reach 400 kilometers.

Rocket speeds range from Mach 2.3 to 6.2, depending on the type of rocket in the game.

Thanks to the wheeled arrangement, the S-400 missile can be easily transported along the road, making it a much harder target to detect and destroy (similar to the Iraqi Scud launcher in the Persian Gulf War). It is said to be lethal to all types of Western aircraft - from small cruise missiles and conventional fighter jets to large bomber types, and reportedly even those protected by stealth capabilities. Off-road driving is also possible, but at significantly slower speeds.

Automation ensures fast response times when setting up the S-400.

The complete S-400 operational program (as part of the S-400 Battalion) includes 5P85TE2/5P85SE2 Wheel Launcher Units, 55K6E Mobile Command Post, 91N6E "Big Bird" Acquisition and Battle Management Radar Unit, "Grave Stone" Fire control radar system, 96L6E full height detection radar vehicle and 40V6MR mobile mast system (MMS).

After Turkish air defenses shot down a Sukhoi Su-24 Fencer fighter-bomber near the Syrian border in November 2015 (killing one pilot and saving the other), the Russians continued to deploy them there. Regional S-400 system. Its appearance put coalition air strikes on hold for the time being.

The missiles can now also be found on the Russian Navy's Kirov-class battlecruiser Admiral Nakhimov, greatly expanding its air defense capabilities.

Military powers around the world including Egypt, India, Saudi Arabia and Turkey are considering the S-400 system. With Russian help, South Korea is developing a similar local solution based on the S-400 design.

Official operators can be seen in Algeria, China, Kazakhstan and, of course, Russia, while deliveries to Belarus are planned for 2015 (S-400 will be officially exported to interested parties after 2015).

September 2017 Announced that Turkey is embarking on a planned purchase of Russias $2 S-400 system. $5 billion.

May 2018 - Russia and India have concluded negotiations on India's purchase of Russian S-400 air defense systems. The deal, reportedly worth as much as $6 billion, would provide India with a significant opportunity to gain airspace in the region.

September 2018 India is expected to sign a deal with Russia to sell Russias S-400 air defence system a move sure to draw the ire of Washington.

October 2018 - India and Russia completed $5. A $4 billion defense deal that includes five S-400 air defense systems.