Russian air defense vs. American strike aircraft. The evolution of "Bukov" and "Thor": what is unique about the "military umbrella" of Russian air defense New military "Gadfly"

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"Russian Ministry of Defense" Troops air defense appeared during the First World War. On December 26, 1915 they were formed and sent to Western Front

the first four separate four-gun light batteries for firing at air targets. In accordance with the order of the Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation dated February 9, 2007, this memorable date began to be celebrated in Russia as Military Air Defense Day. Organizationally, these formations are part of associations, formations and units Ground Forces , Airborne Forces, Coastal Forces of the Navy (Navy) and perform tasks in unified system

Air defense of the country. They are equipped with anti-aircraft missiles, anti-aircraft artillery, anti-aircraft gun and missile systems (systems) of different ranges and methods of missile guidance, as well as portable weapons. Depending on the range of destruction of air targets, they are divided into short-range systems - up to 10 km, short-range - up to 30 km, medium-range - up to 100 km and long-range - more than 100 km.

At the final board meeting of the Russian Ministry of Defense held on December 22, Commander-in-Chief of the Ground Forces Oleg Salyukov said that Russian military air defense is capable of repelling any means of air attack existing in the world. He emphasized that the development of military threats in the aerospace sphere necessitates “coordinated development of missile, space and air defense systems, taking into account qualitatively new requirements.”

The modern weapons of the Air Defense Forces of the Ground Forces are in many ways superior to their predecessors and have no analogues in the world, which is confirmed by their high competitiveness in the arms market

Oleg Salyukov

The military air defense systems are armed with S-300V4 air defense systems (interception range - up to 400 km) and Tor-M1 (up to 15 km), Buk-M1 air defense systems (up to 45 km), Strela-10M4 (up to 8 km ), "OSA-AKM" (up to 10 km), anti-aircraft gun and missile systems "Tunguska-M1" (up to 10 km), anti-aircraft artillery systems "Shilka-M5" (up to 6 km), all-weather tactical missile systems "Tor- M2U" and others. Currently, the troops have already formed new anti-aircraft missile formations armed with the S-300V4 and the Buk-M2 complex. Re-equipment is being carried out with new Buk-MZ, Tor-M2 and Verba man-portable air defense systems.

New weapons have incorporated best qualities their predecessors and are capable of hitting both aerodynamic and ballistic targets, cruise missiles, air reconnaissance and electronic warfare systems, and combat airborne assaults. Military air defense should not be confused with the Air Defense and Missile Defense Forces (PVO-ABM), which are part of the Russian Aerospace Forces.

Progress of rearmament

S-300V4, Buk-MZ and Tor-M2 are included in the list of priority weapons and military equipment that determine the appearance of promising weapons systems for the Russian army. As the head of the military air defense of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, Lieutenant General Alexander Leonov, told the Krasnaya Zvezda newspaper, in 2017 the main efforts were focused on equipping formations and units of the Southern and Western military districts with this equipment.

As a result of this, the anti-aircraft missile brigade was re-equipped and retrained with air defense systems medium range"Buk-MZ"; anti-aircraft missile regiments combined arms formations - on the short-range air defense system "Tor-M2"; air defense units of combined arms formations - on the Verba MANPADS

Alexander Leonov

The Buk-MZ air defense system was delivered to connect the Western Military District, whose military personnel next year will have to undergo retraining for new systems and perform joint live firing in specialized training centers Air Defense Forces of the Ground Forces.

In 2018, it is planned to equip two military air defense formations with Tor-M2 complexes; air defense units operating in the Arctic and Far North should receive the Tor-M2DT short-range air defense system; air defense units of combined arms formations - MANPADS "Verba".

Thus, systematic and annual increase combat personnel troops, the implementation of complete re-equipment with modern anti-aircraft missile systems will make it possible to increase by 2020 combat capabilities air defense troops almost 1.3 times

Alexander Leonov

Chief of Military Air Defense of the RF Armed Forces, Lieutenant General

Compared to previous generation systems, it has a two to three times expanded area covered from air strikes and an increased range of the border of the zone of destruction of air targets. These parameters, in particular, ensure guaranteed interception of the warheads of medium-range ballistic missiles. S-300V4 - modification of the S-300VM system, which has higher performance characteristics through the introduction of modern computing tools and element base, the use of new components. The new system is capable of hitting ballistic and aerodynamic targets at ranges of up to 400 km. The supply contract was concluded in 2012. The first set was delivered to the customer in December 2014.

Continuation

Evolution of "Thor"

According to the data open sources, the first modification of the Tor family of air defense systems entered service in 1986. Since 2011, the troops have been receiving a modification of the Tor-M2U complex. The combat vehicle ensures all-angle engagement of air targets, including high-precision weapons. The air defense system allows reconnaissance on the move over any terrain and simultaneous firing of four air targets in a given sector.

The modern Tor-M2 began to enter service with the troops in 2016. Compared to previous modifications, it has improved the characteristics of the affected area, the transportable stock of anti-aircraft guided missiles, noise immunity, and others by one and a half to two times. It is capable of destroying targets flying at speeds of up to 700 m/s, at a range of up to 12 km and an altitude of up to 10 km. A battery consisting of four vehicles can simultaneously attack 16 targets.

In 2016, the Almaz-Antey concern began work on the Arctic version of the short-range air defense system - Tor-M2DT. The new version is installed on the chassis of a two-link tracked tractor DT-30PM-T1 (DT - two-link tractor).

A naval version of Thor may already appear in 2018–2019. This was reported by the press service of the Almaz-Antey concern during the KADEX 2016 exhibition. At the same time, in a number of parameters, the ship version of the complex will be superior to existing representatives of the Thor family.

This issue has been studied by the concern, and taking into account the experience of cooperation enterprises in the production and installation of complexes such as "Osa", "Dagger" and others on Navy ships, as well as the possibility of using components of mass-produced land-based models of the Tor air defense system, we can conclude that the creation of a "marine" "Tor version in the shortest possible time (the first samples of air defense systems may appear in 2018-2019), and at minimal cost

press service of the concern VKO "Almaz-Antey"

In 2016, the chief designer of anti-aircraft missile systems of the Izhevsk electromechanical plant "Kupol" (part of the Almaz-Antey concern) Joseph Drize (creator of a number of modern air defense systems, died in November 2016 - TASS note) stated that in the future "Thor " will become completely robotic and will be able to shoot down targets without human intervention. As Drize said, the air defense system can still operate without human intervention, but in some cases an operator is needed in conditions of strong interference. In addition, the company is working on increasing the Thor's capabilities to destroy cruise missiles created using stealth technologies.

New military "Gadfly"

"Buk-M2" (according to NATO codification - SA-11 Gadfly, "Gadfly") is considered one of the most effective representatives of its class. Its development was completed back in 1988, but serial production was launched only 15 years later.

In 2016, the military received the first brigade kit of the new Buk - Buk-M3. The characteristics of the complex are unknown, but its predecessor is capable of hitting air targets with solid fuel missiles at a range from 3 km to 45 km and at an altitude of up to 15 m to 25 km. In addition, it can destroy ballistic missiles with a launch range of up to 150–200 km. Thanks to the new Buk-M3 missile, it is almost twice as powerful as previous models and has no analogues in the world. In addition, due to the smaller mass of the rocket, it was possible to increase the ammunition load by one and a half times. Another feature of the complex is the placement of the missile in a launch container.

The transport and launch containers (complex) contain six missiles on each self-propelled firing unit. Rockets have become more compact, but nevertheless they fly faster, further and more accurately. That is, a new unique missile has been created that will make it more likely to destroy air targets

Alexander Leonov

Chief of Military Air Defense of the RF Armed Forces, Lieutenant General

In 2015, it was reported that in a number of parameters the new product surpassed the S-300 long-range system. “First of all, we are talking about the probability of hitting targets, which for the Buk-M3 is 0.9999, which the S-300 does not have,” the TASS source said. In addition, the maximum engagement range of the complex has been increased by 25 km compared to its predecessor and increased to 70 km.

"Verba" for landing

The supply of Verba MANPADS to the troops continues. In August of this year, it became known that all airborne and airborne assault divisions of the Airborne Forces had already been re-equipped with Verba. According to the commander of the Airborne Forces, Colonel General Andrei Serdyukov, "Verba" is capable of hitting tactical aircraft, attack helicopters, cruise missiles and remotely piloted aircraft on oncoming and catch-up courses, in day and night conditions with visual visibility of the target, including in conditions of background and artificial interference.

Among the advantages of "Verba" is the ability to fire on a collision course at low-emitting infrared range targets on the far border of the affected area at extremely low altitudes. The new short-range systems, unlike their predecessors (Igla MANPADS), have expanded combat capabilities and provide high efficiency in hitting targets, despite powerful optical countermeasures.

Compared to previous MANPADS, the Verba has a several-fold increased firing zone for targets with low thermal radiation and tens of times increased immunity from powerful pyrotechnic interference. While the procedure for the combat use of new MANPADS is similar to the procedure for using the previous generation systems, Verba has reduced the consumption of missiles to hit one target and expanded the temperature range of use to minus 50 degrees. MANPADS are capable of hitting stealth targets of a mock enemy at altitudes from 10 m to 4.5 km and at ranges from 500 m to 6.5 km.

Roman Azanov

S-300VM "Antey-2500" air defense system

The world's only mobile air defense system that can intercept short- and medium-range ballistic missiles (up to 2500 km). “Antey” can also shoot down a modern aircraft, including the invisible Staelth. The Antey target can be hit simultaneously by four or two 9M83 (9M83M) missiles (depending on the weapon used) launcher). In addition to the Russian army, the Almaz-Antey concern supplies Antey to Venezuela; a contract was also signed with Egypt. But Iran abandoned it in 2015 in favor of the S-300 air defense system.

ZRS S-300V

The S-Z00V military self-propelled anti-aircraft missile system carries two types of missiles. The first is the 9M82 in order to shoot down ballistic Pershings and SRAM-type aircraft missiles, as well as long-flying aircraft. Second - 9M83, for defeat aircraft and ballistic missiles such as "Lance" and R-17 "Scud".

Autonomous air defense system "Tor"

Bearing the proud name of the Scandinavian deity, the Thor air defense system can cover not only infantry and equipment, but also buildings and industrial facilities. "Thor" protects, among other things, from precision weapons, guided bombs and enemy drones. At the same time, the system itself controls the designated airspace and independently shoots down all air targets not identified by the “friend or foe” system. That's why they call it autonomous.

Anti-aircraft missile system "Osa" and its modifications "Osa-AK" and "Osa-AKM"

Since the 60s of the 20th century, the Osa has been in service with the Soviet and subsequently Russian armies and the armies of the CIS countries, as well as more than 25 foreign countries. It is capable of protecting ground forces from enemy aircraft, helicopters and cruise missiles operating at extremely low, low and medium altitudes (up to 5 m at a distance of up to 10 km).

MD-PS air defense system with increased secrecy of operation

The secrecy of the MD-PS is ensured through the use of optical means of detecting and guiding the missile towards infrared radiation targets in the wavelength range 8−12 µm. The detection system has an all-round view and can simultaneously find up to 50 targets and select the most dangerous ones. Guidance is carried out according to the “fire and forget” principle (missiles with homing heads that “see” the target).

"Tunguska"

The Tunguska anti-aircraft gun missile system is a short-range air defense system. In battle, it protects infantry from helicopters and attack aircraft operating at low altitudes, and fires at lightly armored ground and floating equipment. She opens fire not only from a standing position, but also while moving - as long as there is no fog or snowfall. In addition to the ZUR9M311 missiles, the Tunguska is equipped with 2A38 anti-aircraft guns, which can turn towards the sky up to an angle of 85 degrees.

"Pine - RA"

The Sosna-RA light mobile towed anti-aircraft gun-missile system, like the Tunguska, is equipped with an anti-aircraft gun that hits targets at an altitude of up to 3 km. But the main advantage of Sosna-RA is the 9M337 Sosna-RA hypersonic missile, which fires at targets at altitudes of up to 3,500 meters. The destruction range is from 1.3 to 8 km. "Sosna-RA" - light complex; this means that it can be placed on any platform that can support its weight - Ural-4320, KamAZ-4310 trucks and others.

New items

Long- and medium-range anti-aircraft missile system S-400 "Triumph"

The destruction of targets at long range in the Russian army is ensured, among other things, by the S-400 Triumph air defense system. It is designed to destroy aerospace attack weapons, and is capable of intercepting a target at a distance of more than 200 kilometers and at an altitude of up to 30 km. The Triumph has been in service with the Russian army since 2007.

"Pantsir-S1"

The Pantsir-S1 air defense missile system was put into service in 2012. Its automatic cannons and radio command-guided missiles with infrared and radar tracking make it possible to neutralize any target in the air, on land and on water. Pantsir-S1 is armed with 2 anti-aircraft guns and 12 surface-to-air missiles.

SAM "Sosna"

The Sosna mobile short-range anti-aircraft missile system is the latest Russian novelty; The complex will enter service only at the end of this year. It has two parts - armor-piercing and fragmentation-rod action, that is, it can hit armored vehicles, fortifications and ships, shoot down cruise missiles, drones and high-precision weapons. The Sosna is guided by a laser: the rocket flies along the beam.

Air defense is a special set of measures that are aimed at repelling any air threat. As a rule, this is an enemy air attack. The Russian air defense system is divided into the following types:

• Military air defense. This is a special type of Russian NE. The air defense troops of the Russian Ground Forces are the largest type of air defense in Russia;
• Object air defense, which since 1998 has become part of the Russian Air Force, and since 2009-2010 has been an aerospace defense brigade;
• Shipborne air defense or air defense system navy. Air defense missiles armed with shipborne air defense systems(for example, the Storm air defense system) are capable of not only protecting ships from enemy air attacks, but also hitting surface ships.

Air Defense Day was introduced in the USSR on February 20, 1975, as a special holiday for military personnel who were involved in the country's air defense. Then Air Defense Day was celebrated on April 11. Since 1980, Air Defense Day in the USSR began to be celebrated every second Sunday in April.

In 2006, by a special Decree of the President of the Russian Federation of May 31, Air Defense Day was officially declared a memorable day. The holiday is also celebrated every second Sunday in April.

The history of the appearance of air defense troops in Russia

The need for anti-aircraft artillery was realized at the end of the 19th century. In 1891, the first firing at aerial targets took place, using Balloons and balloons. The artillery showed that it could quite successfully cope with stationary air targets, although shooting at moving targets was unsuccessful.

In 1908-1909, experimental firing at moving targets took place, as a result of which it was decided that in order to successfully combat aviation, it was necessary to create a special gun designed for firing at moving air targets.

In 1914, the Putilov plant produced four 76 mm cannons, which were intended to combat enemy aircraft. These guns were moved on special trucks. Despite this, before the start of the First World War, Russia turned out to be completely unprepared to fight with air enemy. Already in the fall of 1914, the command had to urgently form special artillery units, whose main task was to fight enemy aircraft.

In the USSR, the first air defense units, consisting of searchlight companies and machine gun installations, first took part in a military parade on May 1, 1929. By the 1930 parade, the air defense troops were replenished with anti-aircraft artillery, which was transported in cars:

• 76 mm anti-aircraft guns;
• Machine gun installations;
• Floodlight installations;
• Sound detection installations.

Air defense troops during World War II

Second World War demonstrated how important aviation is. The ability to launch rapid air strikes has become one of the keys to the success of military operations. The state of the USSR air defense before the start of the Second World War was far from perfect and was completely unsuitable for repelling massive raids by German aviation. Although before the start of the Second World War the Soviet command devoted a lot of time and money to the development of air defense systems, these troops turned out to be completely unprepared to repel modern German aircraft.

The entire first half of the Second World War was characterized by huge losses of Soviet troops precisely because of enemy air raids. The USSR ground forces did not have the necessary air defense system at all. The defense of the corps from air attacks was carried out by a regular number of air defense weapons, which were represented along 1 km of the front by the following fire weapons:

• 2 anti-aircraft guns;
• 1 heavy machine gun;
• 3 anti-aircraft quad installations.

In addition to the fact that these guns were clearly not enough, there was a huge need for fighter aircraft at the front. The air surveillance, warning and communications system was in its infancy and was completely unable to cope with the tasks assigned to them. For a long time, the troops did not even have their own means of this type. To carry out these functions, it was planned to strengthen the armies with VNOS radio companies. These companies were completely at odds with the technical development of German aviation, since they could only detect enemy aircraft visually. Such detection was possible only at a distance of 10-12 km, and modern German aircraft covered a similar distance in 1-2 minutes.

Before the start of the Second World War, the domestic theory of the development of air defense troops did not place any serious emphasis on the development of this group of troops. Based on the dogmas of this theory, air defense troops, no matter how highly developed they are, are unable to provide full protection front from enemy air raids. In any case, small enemy groups will still be able to reach and destroy the target. That is why the USSR command did not pay serious attention to air defense troops, and the construction of air defense was based on the fact that air defense systems would distract the enemy, allowing aviation to enter the battle.

In any case, the fighter aviation of the USSR in the first years of the war was not able to give any serious rebuff to enemy aircraft, which is why German pilots in those years organized a real entertaining “hunt” for ground targets.

Realizing their mistakes, the Soviet command concentrated its efforts on developing air defense systems, placing special emphasis on improving fighter aircraft and anti-aircraft artillery.

Development of air defense after the end of the Second World War

In 1946 it began new era in the development of air defense forces - they created a new department whose task was to test anti-aircraft missiles. Throughout the 1947-1950s, this department, which was located at the Kapustin Yar test site, tested German anti-aircraft missiles, while simultaneously overseeing the development of Soviet-made anti-aircraft missiles. Until 1957, this committee was involved in testing domestically developed unguided anti-aircraft missiles.

In 1951, testing of anti-aircraft missiles became so large-scale that it was necessary to create a special testing ground for anti-aircraft missiles. This test site was established on June 6, 1951. Rocket testers from all over the country were sent to this test site as personnel.

The first launch of a guided anti-aircraft missile took place at this site in 1951. In 1955, the USSR's first anti-aircraft missile system, the S-25 Berkut, was adopted by the Air Defense Forces, which remained in service until the 90s.

In the period from 1957 to 1961, a new mobile anti-aircraft missile system, the S-75, was developed and put into service. This air defense system remained the main weapon of the Soviet air defense forces for 30 years. Subsequently, the S-75 air defense system received many modifications and was supplied as military assistance to friendly countries. It was the S-75 anti-aircraft missile system that shot down an American U-2 plane in 1960 near Sverdlovsk. During the Vietnam War, the S-75 air defense system, which was supplied as military aid to Vietnam, shot down many American aircraft. According to the roughest estimates, this air defense system destroyed more than 1,300 American aircraft of various systems.

In 1961, a new short-range anti-aircraft missile system, the S-125, was put into service. This air defense system has proven to be so effective that it is still in service with Russian air defense systems. During the Arab-Israeli wars, the C-125 complex was able to destroy several dozen supersonic aircraft belonging to the United States and Israel.

Great Patriotic War showed that it is air defense systems that have enormous prospects. The development of air defense in the second half of the 20th century was carried out in the right direction, which was repeatedly proven during numerous Arab-Israeli conflicts. The tactics of using air defense systems were now based on completely different principles. The new air defense systems had the following characteristics:

• Mobility of anti-aircraft missile systems;
• The suddenness of their use, for which they were carefully disguised;
• General survivability and maintainability of air defense systems.

Today, the basis of the anti-aircraft weapons of the Ground Forces of the Russian Federation are the following complexes and systems:

• S-300V. This system capable of effectively protecting troops not only from enemy aircraft, but also from ballistic missiles. This system could fire two types of missiles, one of which was surface-to-surface;
• "Buk-M1". This complex was developed in the 90s, and was put into service in 1998;
• "Tor-M1". This system is able to independently control the designated airspace;
• "OSA-AKM". This SAM system is very mobile;
• "Tunguska-M1", which was put into service in 2003.

All these systems are developments of famous Russian designers and not only incorporate all the best qualities of their predecessors, but are also equipped with modern electronics. These complexes effectively protect troops from all types of air attacks, thereby providing reliable cover for the army.

At various military exhibitions, domestic anti-aircraft missile systems are not only not inferior to their foreign counterparts, but also surpass them in a number of parameters, ranging from range to power.

The main prospects for the modern development of air defense troops of the Ground Forces

The main areas towards which the development of modern air defense forces is directed are:

• Change and reorganization of all structures related in one way or another to air defense. The main objective of the reorganization is the maximum use of all resources and combat power missile weapons, which is now entering service. Another task of paramount importance is to establish maximum interaction between air defense troops and other groups of troops of the Russian Army;
• Development of new generation weapons and military equipment that will be able to fight not only with existing air attack weapons, but also with the latest developments in the field of hypersonic technologies;
• Change and improvement of the personnel training system. Particular attention should be paid to changing the training program, because it has not changed for many years, although new air defense systems have long been adopted for service.

Priority remains to carry out planned developments the latest models Air defense, modernization of older models and complete replacement outdated air defense systems. In general, the modern air defense system is developing in accordance with the words of the famous Marshal Zhukov, who said that only a powerful military air defense system is capable of repelling sudden enemy attacks, thereby making it possible Armed forces engage in full-scale combat.

Modern air defense systems and air defense systems in the Russian air defense forces

One of the main air defense systems in service with air defense forces is the S-300V system. This system is capable of hitting air targets at a distance of up to 100 km. Already in 2014, the S-300V air defense system began to be gradually replaced by a new system, which was called the S-300V4. The new system is improved in all respects; it is an improved modification of the S-300B, differing from it in its increased range, more reliable design, which has improved protection against radio interference. The new system is capable of more effectively combating all types of air targets that appear within its range.

The next most popular system is the Buk air defense system. Since 2008, a modification of the complex called Buk-M2 has been entering service with the air defense forces. This air defense system can simultaneously hit up to 24 targets, and the range of destruction of targets reaches 200 km. Since 2016, the Buk-M3 complex has been put into service, which is a model made on the basis of the Buk-M2 and seriously modified.

Another popular air defense system is the TOR complex. In 2011, a new modification of the air defense system began to enter service, called “TOR-M2U”. This modification has the following differences from the base model:

• She can conduct reconnaissance on the move;
• Fire at 4 air targets at once, thereby ensuring an all-angle defeat.

The newest modification is called “Thor-2”. Unlike previous models of the TOR family, this modification has a doubled ammo capacity and is capable of firing on the move, ensuring complete safety of troops on the march.

In addition, Russian air defense systems also have man-portable anti-aircraft missile systems. The ease of training and use of this type of weapon makes it a serious problem for air force enemy. Since 2014, the air defense units of the Ground Forces began to receive new Verba MANPADS. Their use is justified when it is necessary to operate in conditions of powerful optical interference, which complicate the operation of powerful automatic air defense systems.

Currently, the share of modern air defense systems in the air defense forces is about 40 percent. Newest Russian systems The air defense systems have no analogues in the world and are capable of providing complete protection against sudden air attacks.

The Igla-super portable air defense system is a further development of the line of portable air defense systems launched by the Igla complex, which was put into service in 1983.

The most common and combat air defense system: S-75 air defense system

Country: USSR
Entered service: 1957
Rocket type: 13D
Maximum target engagement range: 29–34 km
Speed ​​of targets hit: 1500 km/h

John McCain, past loser presidential elections in the USA to Barack Obama, is known as an active critic of Russian foreign and domestic policy. It is likely that one of the explanations for such an intransigent position of the senator lies in the achievements Soviet designers half a century ago. On October 23, 1967, during the bombing of Hanoi, the plane of a young pilot, who came from the family of hereditary admirals John McCain, was shot down. His Phantom was hit by an S-75 anti-aircraft guided missile.

By that time, the Soviet anti-aircraft sword had already caused a lot of trouble for the Americans and their allies. The first “test of the pen” took place in China in 1959, when local air defense with the help of “Soviet comrades” interrupted the flight of a Taiwanese high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft, created on the basis of the British Canberra bomber. The hopes that the red air defense would be too tough for the more advanced aerial reconnaissance aircraft - the Lockheed U-2 - were also not destined to come true. One of them was shot down by an S-75 over the Urals in 1961, and the other a year later over Cuba.

The legendary anti-aircraft missile, created at the Fakel design bureau, has hit many other targets in various conflicts from the Far and Middle East to the Caribbean Sea, and the S-75 complex itself was destined for a long life in various modifications. We can safely say that this air defense system has gained fame as the most widespread of all air defense systems of this type in the world.

The most high-tech missile defense system: the Aegis system ("Aegis")

SM-3 rocket
Country: USA
first launch: 2001
Length: 6.55 m
Steps: 3
Range: 500 km
Damage zone altitude: 250 km

The main element of this ship's multifunctional combat information and control system is the AN/SPY radar with four flat phased arrays with a power of 4 MW. The Aegis is armed with SM-2 and SM-3 missiles (the latter with the ability to intercept ballistic missiles) with a kinetic or fragmentation warhead.

The SM-3 is constantly being modified, and the Block IIA model has already been announced, which will be capable of intercepting ICBMs. On February 21, 2008, an SM-3 missile was fired from the cruiser Lake Erie in Pacific Ocean and hit the emergency reconnaissance satellite USA-193, located at an altitude of 247 kilometers, moving at a speed of 27,300 km/h.

The newest Russian air defense missile system: the Pantsir S-1 air defense missile system

Country Russia
adopted: 2008
Radar: 1RS1-1E and 1RS2 based on phased array
Range: 18 km
Ammunition: 12 57E6-E missiles
Artillery weapons: 30 mm twin anti-aircraft gun

The "" complex is designed for short-range cover of civilian and military targets (including long-range air defense systems) from all modern and promising air attack weapons. It can also protect the defended object from ground and surface threats.

Airborne targets include all targets with a minimal reflective surface at speeds up to 1000 m/s, maximum range 20,000 m and altitudes up to 15,000 m, including helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles, cruise missiles and precision bombs.

The most nuclear missile defense: the 51T6 Azov transatmospheric interceptor

Country: USSR-Russia
First launch: 1979
Length: 19.8 m
Steps: 2
Launch weight: 45 t
Firing range: 350–500 km
Warhead power: 0.55 Mt

Part of the second generation missile defense system around Moscow (A-135), the 51T6 (Azov) anti-missile missile was developed at the Fakel IKB in 1971–1990. Its tasks included transatmospheric interception of enemy warheads using an oncoming nuclear explosion. Mass production and the deployment of "Azov" was carried out already in the 1990s, after the collapse of the USSR. The missile has now been withdrawn from service.

The most effective portable air defense system: Igla-S MANPADS

Country Russia
developed: 2002
Damage range: 6000 m
Damage altitude: 3500 m
Speed ​​of targets hit: 400 m/s
Weight in firing position: 19 kg

According to many experts, the Russian anti-aircraft complex designed to destroy low-flying air targets various types in conditions of natural (background) and artificial thermal interference, it surpasses all analogues existing in the world.

Closest to our borders: Patriot PAC-3 air defense system

Country: USA
first launch: 1994
Rocket length: 4.826 m
Rocket weight: 316 kg
Warhead weight: 24 kg
Target engagement height: up to 20 km

A modification of the Patriot PAC-3 air defense system created in the 1990s is designed to combat missiles with a range of up to 1000 km. During the test on March 15, 1999, a target missile, which was the 2nd and 3rd stages of the Minuteman-2 ICBM, was destroyed by a direct hit. After abandoning the idea of ​​the Third Position Area of ​​the American strategic missile defense system in Europe, Patriot PAC-3 batteries are being deployed in Eastern Europe.

The most common anti-aircraft gun: 20-mm Oerlicon anti-aircraft gun ("Oerlikon")

Country: Germany – Switzerland
Designed: 1914
Caliber: 20 mm
Rate of fire: 300–450 rounds/min
Range: 3–4 km

The history of the automatic 20-mm Oerlikon anti-aircraft gun, also known as the Becker gun, is the story of one extremely successful design that has spread throughout the world and is still in use today, despite the fact that the first example of this weapon was created by the German designer Reinhold Becker during the First World War.

The high rate of fire was achieved due to the original mechanism, in which the percussion ignition of the primer was carried out even before the cartridge was chambered. Due to the fact that the rights to the German invention were transferred to the SEMAG company from neutral Switzerland, both the Axis countries and the allies in the anti-Hitler coalition produced their own versions of the Oerlikons during World War II.

The best anti-aircraft gun of World War II: the 88-mm anti-aircraft gun Flugabwehrkanone

Country: Germany
Year: 1918/1936/1937
Caliber: 88 mm
Rate of fire: 15–20 rds/min
Barrel length: 4.98 m
Maximum effective ceiling: 8000 m
Projectile weight: 9.24 kg

One of the best in history anti-aircraft guns, better known as the "eight-eight", was in service from 1933 to 1945. It turned out to be so successful that it became the basis for a whole family of artillery systems, including anti-tank and field ones. In addition, the anti-aircraft gun served as a prototype for the guns of the Tiger tank.

The most promising air defense and missile defense system: S-400 Triumph air defense system

Country Russia
Developed: 1999
Target detection range: 600 km
Damage range:
– aerodynamic targets – 5–60 km
– ballistic targets – 3–240 km
Damage height: 10 m – 27 km

The air defense system is designed to destroy jamming aircraft, radar detection and control aircraft, reconnaissance aircraft, strategic and tactical aviation aircraft, tactical, operational-tactical ballistic missiles, medium-range ballistic missiles, hypersonic targets and other modern and promising air attack weapons. Each air defense system provides simultaneous firing of up to 36 targets with up to 72 missiles aimed at them.

The most universal air defense and missile defense system: S-300VM "Antey-2500"

Country: USSR
Developed: 1988
Damage range:
Aerodynamic targets – 200 km
Ballistic targets – up to 40 km
Damage height: 25m – 30 km

The mobile universal anti-missile and anti-aircraft defense "Antey-2500" belongs to the new generation of anti-missile and anti-aircraft defense systems (BMD-PSO). “Antey-2500” is the world’s only universal missile defense and air defense system, capable of effectively combating both ballistic missiles with launch ranges of up to 2,500 km, and all types of aerodynamic and aeroballistic targets.

The Antey-2500 system is capable of simultaneously firing at 24 aerodynamic targets, including low-visibility objects, or 16 ballistic missiles flying at speeds of up to 4500 m/s.

/Based on materials popmech.ru And topwar.ru /

System S-300 "Favorit".
Photo courtesy of the Almaz-Antey Air Defense Concern

In early February, the well-known analytical center Air Power Australia presented an in-depth study on the combat capabilities of modern military aviation and current air defense systems. The American “air sword” and the Russian “shield” are taken as the basis.

ETERNAL COMPETITION

The choice of hypothetical opponents does not appear to be random. The USA has the highest potential air force and, in addition, they hold the lead in the supply of aviation military equipment abroad. Russia is the leader in the production and export of air defense equipment. It is enough to note that only one of its air defense concerns, Almaz-Antey, supplies products manufactured at its enterprises to more than fifty countries around the world (see map).

The arms market itself tells you who is the leader in which area. There is no need for experts who are prone to subjective assessments for various reasons. Because they vote in the market using funds from budgetary allocations. Thousands and thousands of specialists, officials, and high-ranking military personnel are involved in operations to determine the best and most advantageous “cost-effectiveness” ratio of a particular type of weapon. Subjectivism is kept to a minimum.

In fact, Russian air defense systems are classified as premium. This assessment of researchers from Air Power Australia is supported by their high combat reliability, destruction efficiency and relatively low price by the standards of the arms market. For example, the Americans have systems of this class that are much more expensive, despite the fact that the same reliability, efficiency and combat capabilities of their products are significantly lower than those of Russia.

The conclusion of foreign experts is interesting: modern Russian anti-aircraft missile systems and radar systems have reached a level that virtually excludes the possibility of survival of US combat aircraft in the event of a military clash.

According to an Australian study, resist Russian air defense Not only the American F-15, F-16 and F/A-18 aircraft are not capable, but even the promising fifth-generation multirole fighter Joint Strike Fighter, also known as the F-35 Lightning II. And in order to achieve superiority, which military aviation United States had at the end of cold war, The Pentagon needs to field at least 400 more F-22 Raptors. Otherwise, American aviation will finally lose its strategic superiority over Russian air defense.

As analysts note, this circumstance may also affect the US position in the world. Countries such as China, Iran and Venezuela will be well aware that the Americans will not agree to open military confrontation, realizing that as a result of this, the US Air Force and Navy will lose hundreds of combat aircraft and pilots. That is, the United States armed forces risk unacceptable damage. Of course, unacceptable from the point of view of American politicians, whose careers in such a development of events will end in national disgrace.

Air Power Australia recalls that its expert Dr Carlo Coll, who defended his thesis in the field of radar technology, compared the capabilities of modern Russian anti-aircraft missile systems and American F-35 fighters and concluded that these aircraft would be easy targets. The manufacturer of the latest winged aircraft, the American corporation Lockheed Martin, has never tried to publicly challenge the expert’s statement.

The researchers also concluded that since the end of the Cold War, Russian designers have achieved significant results in modernizing air defense systems. Moreover, Russian engineers and scientists gained the opportunity to comprehensively and objectively assess the potential of a potential enemy thanks to the military conflicts in Iran in 1991 and Serbia in 1999. This process, as noted in the report, is in many ways reminiscent of a chess game. As a result, the Russians were able to figure out how to checkmate American combat aircraft.

Comparing possibilities modern systems air defense and aircraft, analysts also note that the Russian S-400 Triumph anti-aircraft missile system, produced by the enterprises of the Almaz-Antey air defense concern and already put into service Russian army, today actually has no analogues in the world. The technical capabilities of the Triumph are significantly higher than those of the American Patriot, and are twice as superior in combat performance to the well-known predecessor of the S-400 - the S-300 Favorite system, supplied to China, Slovakia, Vietnam and Cyprus. In the future, "Triumph" may become a core project in the military-technical cooperation of the Russian Federation with Arab countries, in particular with the United Arab Emirates.

And what is typical, the study emphasizes, is that Russia is building a deeply layered air defense system. If the S-300 and S-400 complexes are long-range, then they tenaciously interact with short- and medium-range complexes. They complement each other and at the same time insure, creating an insurmountable and continuous wall for the air aggressor. Short- and medium-range anti-aircraft missile systems of the Tor, Buk, and Tunguska types were supplied, in particular, to China, Iran, India, Greece, Syria, Egypt, Finland, and Morocco.

In addition to traditional customers of Russian military products, countries such as Singapore and Brazil, which have purchased man-portable anti-aircraft missile systems, are also interested in domestic air defense systems.

Russia's position in the market for sea-based anti-aircraft missile systems is also very strong. For example, the Shtil, Reef, and Klinok air defense systems are successfully operated on warships.

FROM AIR DEFENSE TO ABM

Anti-aircraft missile systems of the S-300 family are considered one of the most powerful air defense systems in the world. The development of this system began in the 1960s, when the USSR Armed Forces demanded the creation of a mobile multi-channel medium-range air defense system capable of protecting the country's skies from massive raids by modern aviation using guided weapons.

Testing of the future S-300 took place in the 1970s. In order to misinform a potential enemy, according to the documents, the new air defense system was designated as the S-75M6 - another modernization of the “veteran” complex, widely known throughout the world at that time, which entered combat duty back in the late 1950s. The terms of reference provided for the development of three versions of the air defense system - S-300P for air defense, S-300V for ground forces and S-300F - a ship-based complex for the Navy.

Systems for air defense troops and the navy were mainly focused on defeating aircraft and cruise missiles; the military complex had to have greater capabilities to intercept ballistic targets in order to ensure missile defense. Nowadays, the S-300 systems form the basis of the air defense of our country and the Russian Ground Forces, and are also successfully sold on the world market.

Developed on the basis of the S-300 air defense system latest system S-400, capable of firing both new missiles and using the ammunition of its predecessor. The S-400 air defense system has the combat capabilities, mobility and noise immunity of the latest versions of the S-300 complex, combined with a longer firing range.

The S-400 system is designed to destroy all types of aircraft - airplanes, unmanned aerial vehicles and cruise missiles. Important difference S-400 from S-300 - new anti-aircraft missiles with active homing heads and increased firing range. "Triumph" is capable of destroying a target at a distance of up to 400 km and at an altitude of 30 km. These indicators allow us to consider the complex not only as an air defense weapon, but also partially as an anti-missile weapon.

Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Air Force, Colonel General Alexander Zelin, reveals the secrets of the S-400 Triumph complex: it can hit “a super-maneuverable small-sized target with an effective reflective surface, which a five-ruble coin has.” He is able to cope with air targets that are made using stealth technology, that is, invisible aircraft with a low effective reflective surface.

The Air Force Commander is extremely proud that the new generation S-400 anti-aircraft missile system is expected to be used to ensure the safety of participants and guests of the 2014 Winter Olympics. “Builders will build facilities in Sochi for the Olympics, and we will prepare an air defense system that will ensure reliable holding Olympic Games", the general said in a recent interview.

Of course, reliable protection of both the people who arrived at the Olympics and the Sochi residents themselves is the most important thing, no one is going to argue about the need for this. And a margin of safety will not hurt here. Moreover, in close proximity is Georgia, against which Russian troops conducted not so long ago fighting. And the fervor of anti-Russian sentiment there has not yet subsided.

However, life does not stand still. Two years ago, the Military-Industrial Commission under the Government of the Russian Federation set the task, in particular, for the Almaz-Antey air defense concern to develop advanced fifth-generation air defense and missile defense weapons. His distinctive feature will consist in the fact that fire, information and command systems and complexes.

This is the next stage in the fight for a clean and peaceful sky. The Russian reserve is high, but the closest competitor, the United States, also does not want to see itself as an outsider. The competition between technical schools and simply military potential is intensifying.