Ultimate Protector: S-400 Triumf Air Defense Systems Shield Moscow Skies

At least one more regiment equipped with the S-400 Triumf air defense system is expected to enter service in the Moscow Region by 2017.

The S-400 systems will also be deployed in other regions in the framework of the massive rearmament program.

Gradually, this advanced weapon will start playing the main role in the ranks of the air defense regiments of the Russian Aerospace Forces.

The main task of the Russian Aerospace Forces’ air defense regiments is the protection of the country’s industry, military and leadership.

Above from left: a launch unit of an S-400 Triumf air defense missile system and the Pantsir-S1 short-to-medium range gun-missile system on the march in the Moscow Region.

The S-400 Triumf (NATO reporting name SA-21 Growler) is Russia’s most advanced surface-to-air missile system.

The S-400 can intercept any aerial targets ranging from strategic aircraft and ballistic missiles to stealth warplanes and cruise missiles.

The Triumf can engage up to 36 targets simultaneously, firing 72 missiles toward them.

Above: Commander of the first air defense army Maj. Gen. Andrei Dyomin.

It is armed with several types of missiles that can hit the target at a distance of 400 kilometers. Now Russia is developing a new missile that will push the range at which the system can engage targets to its limit.

In late November, the S-400 systems were deployed at the Hmeymim airbase near the Syrian port city of Latakia to protect anti-terror operations by Russia’s Aerospace Forces.

Its successor, S-500, dubbed Prometey or Triumfator-M, will have a range of 600 kilometers and will be capable to intercept hypersonic cruise missiles and even space satellites. The system is about to enter service.