Russia to deploy a second regiment of S-400 air defense systems in 2008.

[F-15 Eagle]

Russia will deploy a second regiment equipped with new S-400 air defense systems at the end of 2008, a missile defense official said on Monday.
The new systems will protect the air space around Moscow and industrial zones in the center of the country's European part. The S-400 Triumf (SA-21 Growler) air defense system is expected to form the new cornerstone of Russia's theater air and missile defenses up to 2020 or even 2025.
"We are planning to put a second S-400 regiment on combat duty in the Moscow Region by the end of 2008," said Colonel-General Yuri Solovyov, the head of the Russian Air Force Special Command.
Russia successfully conducted last year live firing tests of the S-400 air defense complex at the Kapustin Yar firing range in south Russia's Astrakhan Region, and deployed a battalion of the first missile regiment equipped with the new system to protect the airspace surrounding Moscow.
The S-400 is designed to intercept and destroy airborne targets at a distance of up to 400 kilometers (250 miles), twice the range of the U.S. MIM-104 Patriot, and 2.5 times that of the S-300PMU-2.
The system is also believed to have high capability to destroy stealth aircraft, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles, with an effective range of up to 3,500 kilometers (2,200 miles) and a speed of up to 4.8 kilometers (3 miles) per second.
Solovyov said that in addition to new surface-to-air missiles already in service, S-400 systems must have anti-ballistic missiles that can be used to destroy targets in near space, which would allow full use of the system's capabilities.
A regular S-400 battalion comprises at least eight launchers with 32 missiles and a mobile command post, according to various sources. The new state arms procurement program until 2015 stipulates the purchase of at least 18 S-400 battalions during this period.
The Russian Air Force Special Command currently provides air defense for 140 strategic sites in 13 regions of central Russia, including administrative, industrial, and transportation facilities, and nuclear power stations.

 

[Mike Collard]

Now I wonder why they feel the need to have active AA units around their cities. I mean, as far as the public knows we don't, we do at our military bases but not around our major cities.

 

[F-15 Eagle]

Now I wonder why they feel the need to have active AA units around their cities. I mean, as far as the public knows we don't, we do at our military bases but not around our major cities.

Its probably to protect their people in the event of an areal attack from NATO and support their fleet of fighter jets for air defense.

 

[Mike Collard]

A great possibility, but then why not stick you next most obsolete units in defense, then the S-400 with actual combat units?

 

[nevidimka]

Its been the practice since Soviet times. Its the most sensible thing to do. Protect their citizen with the most technological advanced defence they can produce.

 

[Mike Collard]

But it was never the Soviet or the current Russian Government way of operation, it has been "protect the military first, then citizens".

 

[nevidimka]

I was relating to the ABM treaty, which covered Moscow since 1972 n Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota for US.

 

[Chrom]

But it was never the Soviet or the current Russian Government way of operation, it has been "protect the military first, then citizens".

Nope, other way around. Again common western propaganda myth. Just an example: After ABM threaty both USA and USSR were allowed to protect 1 area only. What areas they choose?

USSR - Moskow, the largest civilian center.
USA - ICBM sites and military control center (Safeguard complex in Nekoma).

It was always like that - SAM sites usually were/are locatated so they can protect major cities and industrial complexes.

 

[Grand Danois]

Nope, other way around. Again common western propaganda myth. Just an example: After ABM threaty both USA and USSR were allowed to protect 1 area only. What areas they choose?

USSR - Moskow, the largest civilian center.
USA - ICBM sites and military control center (Safeguard complex in Nekoma).

I wouldn't use this example as proof of mindset in the US as opposed to the Soviet Union. But I most certainly do cater to the view that Soviet and Russian BM/air defence had/has a very large focus on defence of population centers.

 

[Chrom]

I wouldn't use this example as proof of mindset in the US as opposed to the Soviet Union. But I most certainly do cater to the view that Soviet and Russian BM/air defence had/has a very large focus on defence of population centers.

Yes, i also didnt implied what USA goverement ""protect the military first, then citizens". After all, military here is exactly to protect citizens! But Mike Collard - did. My remark was just to show how easy it is to "back up" some propagandistic nonsence like that.