S-400 Russian surface-to-air missile (SAM) equipment intelligence (2024)

FAQs

How many S-400 batteries does Russia have? ›

While the exact current number is not definitively stated by the Kremlin, the available information suggests Russia likely had around 16 to 18 battalions, or 56 full S-400 systems, deployed by the early 2020s. However, Russia has suffered notable losses of these prized systems in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine.

The S-400 is able to intercept cruise missiles at a range of only about 40 km (25 mi) due to their low-altitude flight paths. With an active radar homing head, climbs to designated altitude then guidance switches to search & destroy mode. Claimed high hit probability with one missile against fast, maneuvering targets.

In all probability S-400 scores over Patriot ABM when viewed in the context of mobility as well as time required to deploy at new location. S-400 also scores over Patriot ABM for successfully engaging multiple targets at different ranges simultaneously.

Yes, an F-35 can defeat an S-300 or S-400. Conversely, the reverse is also true. Keep in mind the F-35 is heavily favored no matter what scenario you come up with. Consider that the S-300 started service in 1978, the S-400 in 2007 and the F-35 in 2015.

Losses in Ukraine Conflict

Despite its sophisticated capabilities, the S-400 has proven vulnerable in Ukraine. According to UK intelligence, Ukraine likely destroyed at least four Russian long-range S-400 systems in late October 2023, including three in Luhansk region.

The S-400 is considered broadly equivalent to the U.S. military's Patriot air defense system, and the gold-standard of Russian air defense. It is the upgraded version of Moscow's Cold War S-300, which has also been used in Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

2) though this is dangerous,pilots will tell you that. with the modern available sensors they can use machine gun and missiles very effectively against a tomahawk. Yes, the S-400 air defense system is capable of shooting down cruise missiles.

What is the difference between S400 and S500? The S500 has an operational range of 400 kms. While the S-500 is a much more sophisticated version that can target ballistic missiles from 600 km away compared to just 60km by the S-400.

Both are designed to intercept shorter-range theatre ballistic missiles, not ICBMs. S-400 max intercept altitude is about 35km, also for theatre ballistic missiles.

Of course it can. So can an 88 mm FlaK gun for that matter. If a shell from that gun explodes in the close vicinity of an F-15, chances are the plane will be shot down.

Can S-400 shoot down F-16? ›

Russia's S-400 Missiles Would 'Blow Apart' F-16 Fighters; Only F-35s Capable Of 'Taking Out' Triumf: USAF Veteran. Do F-16 fighter jets stand a chance against Russian long-range surface-to-air missiles like the S-400 'Triumf' if they are delivered to Ukraine?

"Ideally, F-16 jets should be deployed to eliminate these systems with JASSM missiles, as this would be the most effective solution," he said.

At a price of over $600 million per unit, the S-400 is one of the most expensive air defense systems in Russia's inventory. It had been deployed in Crimea since 2016 to control air space over the entire western half of the Black Sea.

The Army said it currently has 16 Patriot battalions. A 2018 International Institute for Strategic Studies report found those battalions operate 50 batteries, which have more than 1,200 missile interceptors. The U.S. batteries are regularly deployed around the world.

Russia's S-400 Triumf, known to NATO as the SA-21 Growler, is a long-range, road-mobile surface-to-air missile system and the successor to the older S-300 system. It was designed to target missiles and aircraft, but it can also be used for surface-to-surface strikes.

India has already received three squadrons of the S-400 missile systems out of the five it had ordered in 2018. The Indian Air Force has fully activated all the three S-400 air defence missile squadrons that have been received from Russia.