S-400 Triumph - When anti-aircraft missiles become offensive weapons.

Recently, National Defense magazine assessed that Russia's S-400 Triumph system has superior capabilities compared to its rivals in terms of mobility, multitasking, and combat effectiveness.

This is entirely logical, as in the world of modern air defense weapons, few systems generate as much controversy and respect as Russia's S-400 Triumph (NATO code name SA-21 Growler). Considered by Western experts to be one of the world's most dangerous mobile air defense systems, the S-400 is not just a steel shield but a versatile "killer" capable of reshaping the air combat landscape wherever it is deployed. What happened in Ukraine and recent events in India further highlight the complex and formidable role of this system.

Unlike many Western air defense systems that are often specialized for a specific task, the S-400 is designed on an "all-in-one" philosophy. It is an integrated air defense and missile defense system capable of engaging an extremely wide range of targets, from stealth fighters, strategic bombers, early warning aircraft (AWACS), cruise missiles, to tactical ballistic missiles.

The S-400 Triumph system has proven its effectiveness in combat. Photo: RIAN

The strength of the S-400 lies in its modular structure and the ability to combine various types of missiles on the same launcher. A standard S-400 battalion includes: the 91N6E command and control radar, acting as the "brain" of the system, capable of monitoring airspace up to 600 km; the 92N6E multi-purpose fire control radar, the "eye" that can track and guide dozens of targets simultaneously; and the self-propelled launcher, usually a 5P85TE2 or 5P85SE2 vehicle, each carrying four launch tubes.

Another notable feature is that the S-400 system can simultaneously deploy various types of missiles with different ranges and altitudes, creating a multi-layered, impenetrable defense network. The ultra-long-range layer (400 km): The 40N6E missile, designed to destroy high-value targets such as AWACS aircraft, reconnaissance aircraft, and electronic warfare aircraft from a safe distance. This is its longest-reaching "arm," capable of attacking low-flying targets thanks to its unique ballistic trajectory.

Long-range class (250 km): The 48N6E3/DM missile, the "backbone" of the system, is used to intercept aircraft, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles. Medium-range class (120 km): The 9M96E2 missile, with extremely high maneuverability, is specifically designed to destroy elusive flying targets such as terrain-hugging cruise missiles or maneuvering fighter aircraft. Short-range class (40 km): The 9M96E missile, a shorter-range version of the 9M96E2, is used for self-defense and intercepting threats at close range.

This combination allows the S-400 system to both "hunt" strategic targets at a distance and defend itself against massive attacks, a capability that many Western experts believe the American Patriot system lacks.

The National Interest magazine and many international military analysts regularly compare the S-400 system with its rivals, especially in recent conflicts in which the S-400 system has been deployed.

In India, during the recent conflict with Pakistan, the S-400 proved highly effective. Therefore, India has not hesitated to spend billions of dollars to acquire more of this versatile air defense and missile defense system.

The S-400 is attracting interest from many countries around the world. Photo: Topwar

In Ukraine, the role of the S-400 becomes more complex and multifaceted. It acts as a weapon to establish a "no-fly zone," restricting the operational capabilities of the Ukrainian Air Force on the front lines. Its long range allows Russia to control a large part of Ukrainian airspace without deploying S-400s close to the front lines. Additionally, there are reports of Russia using S-300 and S-400 systems for ground attack missions, which are not typically the strengths of air defense missiles.

The S-400 Triumph is not just a simple air defense system, but a multi-layered, multi-functional defense complex capable of adapting to various combat scenarios. It is a defensive weapon, but its deterrent capabilities are no less than those of offensive weapons.

Source: https://congthuong.vn/s-400-triumph-khi-ten-lua-phong-khong-tro-thanh-vu-khi-tan-cong-433971.html