Modern air defense systems. Impenetrable air defense: what the new anti-aircraft missile systems of the Russian Federation will be like. New military "Gadfly"

1. Introduction

The purpose of this work is to study the history of the development of air defense troops in the USSR and Russia in the period from the 50s of the 20th century to the present. The relevance of the topic is emphasized by the fact that as a result of modern scientific and technological progress military science More and more attention is being paid to technologies related to air defense in order to reliably protect Russia's air borders and counter the "global" strike planned by NATO.

Unfortunately, along with brilliant ideas that make a person’s life easier and give him new opportunities, ideas appear that are no less brilliant, but represent a destructive force and a threat to humanity. A number of states now have many space satellites, aircraft, intercontinental ballistic missiles, and nuclear warheads.

With the advent of new military technologies and formidable forces, forces opposing them always arise on their basis, as a result, new means appear air defense(air defense) and missile defense(PRO).

We are interested in the development and experience of using the first air defense systems, from the S-25 (put into service in 1955) to new modern systems. Also of interest are the capabilities of other countries in the development and use of air defense systems, and the general prospects for the development of air defense systems. Our main task is to determine how protected Russia is from potential military threats from the air. Air superiority and long-range strikes have always been the focus of the opposing sides' efforts in any conflict, even potential ones. It is important for us to understand the capabilities of our country in ensuring air security, because the presence of powerful and modern systems Air defense provides a guarantee of security not only for us, but for the whole world. Weapons of deterrence in the 21st century are by no means limited to a nuclear shield.

2. History of the emergence of air defense forces

The phrase comes to mind: “A wise man prepares for war in time of peace” - Horace.

Everything in our world appears for a reason and for a specific purpose. The appearance of air defense troops is no exception. Their formation was due to the fact that the first aircraft and military aircraft began to appear in many countries. At the same time, the development of weapons to combat the enemy in the air began.

In 1914, the very first air defense weapon, a submachine gun, was manufactured at the Putilov plant in St. Petersburg. It was used in the defense of Petrograd from German air raids during the First World War at the end of 1914.

Every state strives to win the war and Germany is no exception; its new JU 88 V-5 bombers from September 1939 began to fly at altitudes reaching 5000 meters, which took them out of the reach of the first air defense guns, which required modernization of weapons and new ideas for its development.

It should be noted that the arms race in the twentieth century was a powerful driver for the development of weapons systems and military equipment. During the Cold War, the first anti-aircraft missile stations (SAM) and anti-aircraft missile systems (SAM) were developed. In our country huge contribution Design engineer Veniamin Pavlovich Efremov contributed to the creation and development of new air defense systems, who took part in the development of the S-25Yu radar system, where he showed his talent. He took part in the development of the Tor, S-300V, Buk air defense systems and all their subsequent upgrades.

3. S-25 "Berkut"

3.1 History of creation

After World War II, military aviation switched to the use of jet engines, flight speeds and altitudes increased significantly, outdated anti-aircraft artillery could no longer provide reliable cover in the air, and their combat effectiveness was significantly reduced. Thus, the need for new air defense systems arose.

On August 9, 1950, a resolution was adopted by the Council of Ministers of the USSR on the creation of an air defense missile system controlled using a radar network. Organizational work on this issue was entrusted to the Third Main Directorate under the Council of Ministers of the USSR, supervised personally by L.P. Beria.

The development of the "Berkut" system was carried out by KB-1 (design bureau), and now OJSC GSKB Air Defense Concern "Almaz-Antey", headed by K.M. Gerasimov - Deputy Minister of Arms of the USSR and son of L.P. Beria - S.L Beria, who was the chief designer together with P.N. Kuksenko. At the same time, B-300 missiles were being developed for this complex.

According to the plan of the USSR military strategists, it was planned to place two radar detection rings around Moscow at a distance of 25-30 and 200-250 km from the city. The Kama stations were to become the main control stations. B-200 stations were also developed to control missile launches.

It was planned to include not only a missile resource in the Berkut complex, but also interceptor aircraft based on Tu-4 bombers. This plan was not realized. After careful testing, the Berkut was put into service on May 7, 1955.

Main performance characteristics (TTX) of this system:

1) hitting a target with a speed of up to 1500 km/h;

2) target height 5-20 km;

3) distance to target up to 35 km;

4) number of targets hit - 20;

5) the shelf life of missiles in a warehouse is 2.5 years, in a launcher 6 months.

For the 50s of the twentieth century, this system was the most advanced, designed using the most advanced technologies. It was a real breakthrough! No anti-aircraft missile system of that time had such broad capabilities for detecting and hitting targets. Multichannel radar stations were a novelty, because Until the end of the 60s, there were no analogues of such systems in the world. The Soviet scientist and designer Efremov Veniamin Pavlovich participated in the development of radar stations.

However, such a perfect air defense system of that time had a colossal cost and high maintenance costs. It was advisable to use it only to cover particularly important objects; it was not possible to cover the entire territory with it. The air defense plan included covering the area around Leningrad, but this project was not implemented due to its high cost.

Another disadvantage was that the Berkut had low mobility, which made it extremely vulnerable to nuclear strike enemy. In addition, the system was designed to repel the impact of a large number of enemy bombers, and by that time the strategy of wars had changed and bombers began to fly in small units, which significantly reduced the chances of their detection. It should also be noted that low-flying bombers and cruise missiles were able to bypass this defense system.

3.2 Goals, objectives and experience in using the S-25

The S-25 complex was developed and put into service with the aim of protecting strategically important facilities from enemy aircraft and cruise missiles. According to the general plan, the ground elements of the complex were supposed to monitor the air target, process the received data and issue commands to the guided missile. It was supposed to launch vertically and could hit a target at a distance of up to 70 meters from the place of its explosion (the magnitude of the error in hitting the target).

At the end of July 1951, the first tests of the S-25 and the B-300 missile in particular began. Test runs consisted of several stages. The first 3 launches were with the aim of testing the rocket at launch, checking the characteristics, and the time of releasing the gas rudders. The next 5 launches were carried out to test the rocket control system. This time, only the second launch occurred without any failures. As a result, shortcomings were identified in the rocket's equipment and ground cables. The following months, until the end of 1951, test launches were carried out, which were crowned with some success, but the rockets still needed improvement.

In 1952, a series of launches were carried out aimed at testing various electronic equipment of the rocket. In 1953, after 10 series of launches, the missile and other elements of the Berkut anti-aircraft missile system received a recommendation for mass production.

In the late spring of 1953, testing and measurement of the system's combat characteristics began. The capabilities of destroying Tu-4 and Il-28 aircraft were tested. It took from one to four missiles to destroy targets. The problem was solved by two missiles, as it is currently established - to completely destroy a target, 2 missiles are used simultaneously.

The S-25 "Berkut" was used until the 60s of the twentieth century, after which it was modernized and became known as the S-25M. New characteristics made it possible to destroy targets at a speed of 4200 km/h at altitudes from 1.5 to 30 km. The flight range was increased to 43 km, and the shelf life at the launcher and warehouse was up to 5 and 15 years, respectively.

The S-25M were in service with the USSR and protected the skies over Moscow and the Moscow region until the early 80s of the 20th century. Subsequently, the missiles were replaced with more modern ones and removed from service in 1988. The sky over our country, together with the S-25, was protected by the S-75 air defense system, which was simpler, cheaper and had a sufficient degree of mobility.

3.3 Foreign analogues

In 1953, the United States adopted the MIM-3 Nike Ajax anti-aircraft missile system. The complex has been developed since 1946 as a means to effectively destroy enemy aircraft. The radar system had one channel, unlike our multi-channel system, but was much cheaper and covered all cities and military bases. It consisted of two radars, one of which tracked the enemy target, and the second directed the missile at the target itself. The combat capabilities of the MIM-3 Nike Ajax and the S-25 were approximately the same, although American system was simpler, and by the time the S-75 complexes appeared in our country, there were several hundred MIM-3 complexes in the USA.

4. C-75

4.1 History of creation and performance characteristics

On November 20, 1953, the design of a mobile anti-aircraft missile system began on the basis of Resolution of the Council of Ministers of the USSR No. 2838/1201 “On the creation of a mobile system of anti-aircraft guided missile weapons to combat enemy aircraft.” At this time, tests of the S-25 complex were in full swing, but due to its enormous cost and low mobility, the S-25 could not protect all important facilities and troop concentration areas. The development was entrusted to the management of KB-1 under the leadership of A.A. Raspletin. At the same time, the OKB-2 department began work under the leadership of P.D. Grushin, which was engaged in the design of the S-75 using existing developments on the S-25 complex, including those that had not been implemented. The rocket created for this complex was called B-750. It was equipped with two stages - launch and sustainer, which gave the rocket a high initial speed during an inclined launch. The SM-63 launchers and the PR-11 transport-loading vehicle were specially developed for it.

The complex was put into service in 1957. The characteristics of the S-75 allowed it to compete with analogues from other states.

There were 3 modifications in total: Dvina, Desna and Volkhov.

In the "Desna" version, the range of hitting the target was 34 km, and in the "Volkhov" version up to 43 km.

Initially, the altitude range for hitting the target was from 3 to 22 km, but then in Desna it changed to a range of 0.5-30 km, and in Volkhov it became 0.4-30 km. The maximum speed of hitting targets reached 2300 km/h. Subsequently, these indicators were improved.

In the mid-70s, the complex began to be equipped with 9Sh33A television-optical sights with an optical target tracking channel. This made it possible to target and fire at a target without the use of air defense missile systems in radiation mode. And thanks to the “narrow” beam antennas, the minimum target engagement altitude was reduced to 100 meters, and the speed was increased to 3,600 km/h.

Some of the complex's missiles were also equipped with a special nuclear warhead.

4.2 Goals, objectives and application experience.

The goals of creating the S-75 complex were to reduce the cost compared to the S-25 and increase mobility so that it could protect the entire territory of our country. These goals have been achieved. In terms of its capabilities, the S-75 was not inferior to foreign analogues and was supplied to many Warsaw Pact countries, Algeria, Vietnam, Iran, Egypt, Iraq, Cuba, China, Libya, Yugoslavia, Syria and many others.

On October 7, 1959, for the first time in the history of air defense, a high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft, an American RB-57D aircraft belonging to the Taiwanese Air Force near Beijing, was shot down by an anti-aircraft guided missile of the S-75 complex. The reconnaissance flight altitude was 20,600 meters.

In the same year, on November 16, an S-75 shot down an American balloon at an altitude of 28 km near Stalingrad.

On May 1, 1960, a C-75 destroyed an American U-2 reconnaissance aircraft of the US Air Force over Sverdlovsk. However, on this day, the USSR Air Force MiG-19 fighter was also mistakenly destroyed.

In the 60s, during the Cuban Missile Crisis, a U-2 reconnaissance aircraft was also shot down. And then the Chinese Air Force shot down 5 US reconnaissance aircraft over its territory.

During the Vietnam War, according to the USSR Ministry of Defense, this complex destroyed 1,293 aircraft, including 54 B-52 strategic bombers. But according to the Americans, the losses amounted to only 200 aircraft. In fact, the data from the USSR Ministry of Defense were somewhat overestimated, but overall the complex showed itself to be excellent.

In addition, the S-75 complex took part in the 1969 Arab-Israeli conflict. During the War doomsday in the Middle East in 1973. In these battles, the complex demonstrated perfectly that it is capable of protecting territory and people from enemy attack.

In the Persian Gulf in 1991, the S-75 was defeated and 38 units were destroyed by electronic warfare and cruise missiles. But the complex managed to shoot down a 4th generation F-15 fighter.

In the 21st century, many countries use this complex, for example Azerbaijan, Angola, Armenia, Egypt, Iran, but it is worth moving on to more modern ones, not forgetting to mention foreign analogues.

4.3 Foreign analogues

To replace the MIM-3, the Americans adopted the MIM-14 Nike-Hercules in 1958.

It was the world's first long-range anti-aircraft missile system - up to 140 km with a destruction altitude of 45 km. The complex's missiles were designed not only to destroy enemy aircraft, but also to intercept ballistic missiles and destroy ground targets.

MIM-14 Nike-Hercules remained the most advanced until the advent of the Soviet S-200. The large radius of destruction and the presence of a nuclear warhead made it possible to hit all existing aircraft and missiles on the planet at that time.

The MIM-14 is superior to the S-75 in some respects, but in terms of mobility, the MIM-14 Nike-Hercules inherited the low mobility affliction of the MIM-3, which is where the S-75 is inferior.

5. S-125 "Neva"

5.1 History of creation and performance characteristics

The first anti-aircraft missile systems, such as the S-25, S-75, and their foreign analogues, coped well with their task - defeating high-speed, high-flying targets that were inaccessible to cannon anti-aircraft artillery and difficult to destroy for fighters.

Due to the fact that previous anti-aircraft missile systems have shown that they are capable of maintaining combat duty and participating in combat operations, it is natural that the decision was made to extend this type of weapon to the entire range of altitudes and speeds of potential threats.

At that time, the minimum altitude for hitting targets with the S-25 and S-75 complexes was 1-3 km, which fully met the requirements of the early 50s of the 20th century. But taking this trend into account, it was to be expected that aviation would soon switch to a new method of combat - low-altitude combat. Realizing this fact, KB-1 and its head A.A. Raspletin were tasked with creating a low-altitude air defense system. Work began in the fall of 1955. The newest system was supposed to serve to intercept low-flying targets at altitudes from 100 to 5000 meters at speeds of up to 1500 km/h. The range of hitting targets was relatively short - only 12 km. But the main requirement was the complete mobility of the complex with all its missiles, tracking, control, reconnaissance and communications radar stations. Developments were carried out taking into account transportation on an automobile basis, but transportation by rail, sea and air transport was also provided.

As with the S-75, the development of the S-125 used developments from previous projects. The methods of searching, scanning and tracking the target were completely borrowed from the S-25 and S-75.

A big problem was the reflection of the antenna signal from the surface of the earth and its landscape. It was decided to position the antennas of the guidance stations at an angle, which resulted in a gradual increase in interference from reflection when tracking the target.

An innovation was the decision to create an automated missile launch system APP-125, which itself determined the boundary of the affected area and fired a missile due to the short approach time of enemy aircraft.

During the R&D, a special V-600P missile was also developed - the first missile designed according to the “canard” design, which provided the missile with great maneuverability.

In case of a miss, the rocket automatically went up and self-destructed.

The anti-aircraft missile regiments of the air defense of the USSR Armed Forces were equipped with SNR-125 guidance stations, guided missiles, transport-loading vehicles and interface cabins in 1961.

5.2

The S-125 "Neva" complex was designed to destroy low-flying enemy targets (100 - 5000 meters). Target recognition was provided at a distance of up to 110 km. The Neva had an automatic start system. It is important to note that during the tests it was revealed that the probability of hitting a target without interference was 0.8-0.9, and the probability of hitting a target in passive interference was 0.49-0.88.

A large number of S-125s were sold abroad. Buyers were Egypt, Syria, Libya, Myanmar, Vietnam, Venezuela, Turkmenistan. The total cost of supplies amounted to about $250 million.

There were also various modifications of the S-125 for air defense (Neva), for the Navy (Volna) and Export (Pechora).

If we talk about the combat use of the complex, then in 1970 in Egypt, Soviet divisions destroyed 9 Israeli and 1 Egyptian aircraft with 35 missiles.

During the Yom Kippur War between Egypt and Israel, 174 missiles shot down 21 aircraft. And Syria shot down 33 planes with 131 missiles.

The real sensation was the moment when, on March 27, 1999, the stealth tactical strike aircraft Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk was shot down over Yugoslavia for the first time.

5.3 Foreign analogues

In 1960, the Americans adopted the MIM-23 Hawk. The complex was initially developed to destroy enemy aircraft, but was later upgraded to destroy missiles.

It was slightly better than our S-125 system in its characteristics, since it could hit targets at altitudes from 60 to 11,000 meters at a distance of 2 to 25 km in its very first modifications. Subsequently, it was modernized many times until 1995. The Americans themselves did not use this complex in combat operations, but foreign countries actively used it.

But, practice is not so different. For example, during the October War of 1973, Israel fired 57 missiles from this complex, but not a single one hit the target.

6. Z RK S-200

6.1 History of creation and performance characteristics

In the mid-50s, in the context of the rapid development of supersonic aviation and thermonuclear weapons, it became necessary to create a mobile long-range anti-aircraft missile system that could solve the problem of intercepting a high-flying target. Considering that the systems available at that time had a short range, it was very expensive to deploy them throughout the country for reliable protection against an air strike. Particularly important was the organization of the protection of the northern territories, where there was the shortest approach distance American missiles and bombers. And if we take into account the fact that the northern regions of our country are poorly equipped with road infrastructure and the population density is extremely low, then a completely new air defense system was required.

According to Government Decrees of March 19, 1956 and May 8, 1957 No. 501 and No. 250, a large number of enterprises and workshops were involved in the development of a new long-range air defense system. The general designer of the system, as before, was A.A. Raspletin and P.D. Grushin.

The first sketch of the new B-860 rocket was presented at the end of December 1959. Special attention was paid to the protection of the internal elements of the rocket structure, since as a result of the rocket flying at hypersonic speed, the structures were heated.

The initial characteristics of the missile were far from those of foreign analogues already in service, such as the MIM-14 Nike-Hercules. It was decided to increase the radius of destruction of supersonic targets to 110-120 km, and subsonic targets to 160-180 km.

The new generation fire complex included: a command post, a situational clarification radar, a digital computer and up to five firing channels. The firing channel of the fire complex included a half-light target radar, a launch position with six launchers, and power supply facilities.

This complex was put into service in 1967 and is currently in service.

The S-200 was produced in various modifications both for our country and for export to foreign countries.

The S-200 Angara entered service in 1967. The maximum speed of targets hit reached 1100 km/h, the number of simultaneously fired targets was 6. Destruction altitudes ranged from 0.5 to 20 km. The destruction range is from 17 to 180 km. The probability of hitting targets is 0.45-0.98.

The S-200V Vega entered service in 1970. The maximum speed of targets hit reached 2300 km/h, the number of simultaneously fired targets was 6. Destruction altitudes ranged from 0.3 to 35 km. The destruction range is from 17 to 240 km. The probability of hitting targets is 0.66-0.99.

The S-200D Dubna entered service in 1975. The maximum speed of targets hit reached 2300 km/h, the number of simultaneously fired targets was 6. Destruction altitudes ranged from 0.3 to 40 km. Damage range from 17 to 300 km. The probability of hitting targets is 0.72-0.99.

To increase the likelihood of hitting targets, the S-200 complex was combined with low-altitude S-125s, from which mixed anti-aircraft brigades were formed.

By that time, long-range air defense systems were already well known in the West. US space reconnaissance assets continuously recorded all stages of its deployment. According to American data, in 1970 the number of S-200 launchers was 1100, in 1975 - 1600, in 1980 -1900. The deployment of this system reached its peak in the mid-1980s, when the number of launchers amounted to 2030 units.

6.2 Goals, objectives and application experience

The S-200 was created as a long-range complex; its task was to cover the country’s territory from an enemy air strike. A big plus was the increased range of the system, which made it economically possible to deploy it throughout the country.

It is worth noting that the S-200 was the first air defense system that was capable of the specific target of the Lockheed SR-71. For this reason, US reconnaissance aircraft have always flown only along the borders of the USSR and the Warsaw Pact countries.

The S-200 is also known for the tragic incident on October 4, 2001, when a civil aircraft Tu-154 of Sibir Airlines was mistakenly shot down during an exercise in Ukraine. 78 people died then.

Speaking about the combat use of the complex, on December 6, 1983, the Syrian S-200 complex shot down two Israeli MQM-74 drones.

On March 24, 1986, a Libyan S-200 is believed to have shot down American attack aircraft, 2 of which were A-6Es.

The complexes were also in service in Libya in the recent conflict in 2011, but nothing is known about their use in it, except that after an air strike they were completely destroyed on Libyan territory.

6.3 Foreign analogues

An interesting project was the Boeing CIM-10 Bomarc. This complex was developed from 1949 to 1957. It was put into service in 1959. Currently, it is considered the longest-range air defense system. The destruction range of Bomarc-A was 450 km, and the 1961 modification Bomarc-B was up to 800 km with a rocket speed of almost 4000 km/h.

But, given that the USSR's arsenal of strategic missiles was rapidly growing, and this system could only hit aircraft and bombers, the system was withdrawn from service in 1972.

7. SAM S-300

7.1 History of creation and performance characteristics

By the end of the 60s, the experience of using air defense systems in the wars in Vietnam and the Middle East showed that it was necessary to create a complex with the greatest mobility and short transition time from travel and duty to combat and back. The need is due to a quick change of position before enemy aircraft approach.

In the USSR at that time the S-25, S-75, S-125 and S-200 were already in service. Progress did not stand still and new weapons were required, more modern and universal. Design work on the S-300 began in 1969. It was decided to create air defense for the ground forces S-300V ("Military"), S-300F ("Navy"), S-300P ("Country Air Defense").

The chief designer of the S-300 was Veniamin Pavlovich Efremov. The system was developed taking into account the possibility of hitting ballistic and aerodynamic targets. The task of simultaneously tracking 6 targets and pointing 12 missiles at them was set and solved. For the first time, a system of complete automation of the complex’s operations was implemented. These included the tasks of detection, tracking, target distribution, target designation, target acquisition, defeat and evaluation of the result. The crew (combat crew) was tasked with assessing the operation of the system and monitoring the launch of missiles. The possibility of manual intervention in the operation of the combat system was also assumed.

Serial production of the complex and testing began in 1975. By 1978, tests of the complex were completed. In 1979, the S-300P began combat duty to protect the air borders of the USSR.

Important features are that the complex is capable of operating in various combinations within one modification, and operating as part of a battery with various other combat units and systems.

In addition, it is permissible to use various means of camouflage, such as simulators of electromagnetic radiation in the infrared and radio ranges, and camouflage networks.

The S-300 systems are widely used in the class of modifications. Separate modifications were developed for sale abroad. As can be seen in Figure No. 19, the S-300 was supplied abroad only for the navy and air defense, as a means of defense Ground Forces the complex remained only for our country. ​

All modifications differ in different missiles, the ability to protect against electronic warfare, range and the ability to combat short-range ballistic missiles or low-flying targets.

7.2 Main tasks, application and foreign analogues

The S-300 is designed to defend large industrial and administrative facilities, command posts, and military bases from attacks by enemy aerospace weapons.

According to official data, the S-300 has never taken part in real combat. But, in many countries training launches are carried out.

Their results showed the high combat effectiveness of the S-300.

The main tests of the complex were aimed at countering ballistic missiles. Airplanes were destroyed by just one missile, and two shots were enough to destroy missiles.

In 1995, a P-17 missile was shot down at the Kapustin Yar firing range during a demonstration shooting at the range. Delegations from 11 countries were present at the training ground. All targets were completely destroyed.

Talking about foreign analogues, it is worth mentioning the famous American MIM-104 Patriot complex. It has been created since 1963. Its main task is to intercept enemy ballistic missiles and destroy aircraft at medium altitudes. It was put into service in 1982. This complex could not surpass the S-300. There were Patriot, Patriot PAC-1, Patriot PAC-2 complexes, which were put into service in 1982, 1986, 1987, respectively. Considering the performance characteristics of the Patriot PAC-2, we note that it could hit aerodynamic targets at ranges from 3 to 160 km, ballistic targets up to 20 km, and an altitude range from 60 meters to 24 km. The maximum target speed is 2200 m/s.

8. Modern air defense systems

8.1 In service with the Russian Federation

The main topic of our work was the consideration of air defense systems of the “S” family, and we should start with the most modern S-400, which is in service with the Russian Armed Forces.

S-400 "Triumph" - long- and medium-range air defense systems. It is designed to destroy the enemy's aerospace attack weapons, such as reconnaissance aircraft, ballistic missiles, and hypersonic ones. This system was put into service relatively recently - on April 28, 2007. The newest air defense system is capable of hitting aerodynamic targets at a range of up to 400 km and up to 60 km - ballistic targets whose speed does not exceed 4.8 km/s. The target itself is detected even earlier, at a distance of 600 km. The difference from the Patriot and other complexes is that the minimum height to hit a target is only 5 m, which gives this complex a huge advantage over others, making it universal. The number of simultaneously fired targets is 36 with 72 guided missiles. The deployment time of the complex is 5-10 minutes, and the time to bring it into combat readiness is 3 minutes.

The Russian government agreed to sell this complex to China, but not earlier than 2016, when our country will be fully equipped with them.

It is believed that the S-400 has no analogues in the world.

The following complexes that we would like to consider within the framework of this work are TOP M-1 and TOP M-2. These are complexes designed to solve air defense and missile defense problems at the divisional level. In 1991, the first TOR was adopted for service as a complex for protecting important administrative facilities and ground forces from all types of enemy air attacks. The complex is a short-range system - from 1 to 12 km, at altitudes from 10 meters to 10 km. The maximum speed of targets hit is 700 m/s.

TOR M-1 is an excellent complex. The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation refused China a license to produce it, and as you know, in China there is no concept of copyright, so they created their own copy of the Hongqi -17 TOR.

Since 2003, the Tunguska-M1 anti-aircraft gun and missile system has also been in service. It is designed to provide air defense to tank and motorized rifle units. The Tunguska is capable of destroying helicopters, airplanes, cruise missiles, drones, and tactical aircraft. It is also distinguished by the fact that it combines both missile and cannon weapons. Cannon armament - two 30-mm anti-aircraft double-barreled cannons, the rate of fire of which is 5000 rounds per minute. It is capable of hitting targets at an altitude of up to 3.5 km, a range from 2.5 to 8 km for missiles, 3 km and from 200 meters to 4 km for anti-aircraft guns.

We would note the BUK-M2 as the next means of combating the enemy in the air. This is a multifunctional, highly mobile medium-range air defense system. It is designed to destroy aircraft, tactical and strategic aviation, helicopters, drones, cruise missiles. The BUK is used to protect military facilities and troops in general, throughout the country to protect industrial and administrative facilities.

It is very interesting to consider another modern air defense and missile defense weapon, the Pantsir-S1. It can be called an improved Tunguska model. This is also a self-propelled anti-aircraft missile and gun system. It is designed to cover civilian and military targets, including long-range air defense systems, from all modern air attack weapons. Can also do fighting and against ground and surface targets.

It was put into service quite recently - November 16, 2012. The missile unit is capable of hitting targets at altitudes from 15 m to 15 km and a range of 1.2 -20 km. Target speed is no more than 1 km/s.

Cannon armament - two 30-mm anti-aircraft double-barreled cannons used in the Tunguska-M1 complex.

Up to 6 machines can work simultaneously and jointly via a digital communication network.

Known from Russian media, that in 2014 Pantsirs were used in Crimea and hit Ukrainian drones.

8.2 Foreign analogues

Let's start with the well-known MIM-104 Patriot PAC-3. This is the latest modification currently in service with the US Army. Its main task is to intercept the warheads of tactical ballistic and cruise missiles of the modern world. It uses highly maneuverable direct hit missiles. A special feature of the PAC-3 is that it has a short range of hitting targets - up to 20 km for ballistic targets and 40-60 for aerodynamic targets. It is striking that the implementation of the missile stock includes PAC-2 missiles. Modernization work was carried out, but this did not give the Patriot complex an advantage over the S-400.

Another item to consider will be the M1097 Avenger. This is a short-range air defense system. Designed to engage air targets at altitudes from 0.5 to 3.8 km with a range from 0.5 to 5.5 km. He, like the Patriot, is part of the National Guard, and after September 11, 12 Avenger combat units appeared in the area of ​​Congress and the White House.

The last complex we will consider is the NASAMS air defense system. This is a Norwegian mobile anti-aircraft missile system, which is designed to destroy air targets at low and medium altitudes. It was developed by Norway together with the American company Raytheon Company System. Target engagement range is from 2.4 to 40 km, height from 30 meters to 16 km. The maximum speed of the target hit is 1000 m/s, and the probability of hitting it with one missile is 0.85.

Let's consider what our neighbors - China - have? It is immediately worth noting that their developments in many areas, such as air defense and missile defense, are mostly borrowed. Many of their air defense systems are copies of our types of weapons. For example, take the Chinese HQ-9 - a long-range anti-aircraft missile system that is China's most effective air defense system. The complex was developed back in the 80s, but work on it was completed after the purchase of the S-300PMU-1 air defense system from Russia in 1993.

Designed to destroy aircraft, cruise missiles, helicopters, and ballistic missiles. Maximum range 200 km, destruction altitudes from 500 meters to 30 km. The interception range of ballistic missiles is 30 km.

9. Prospects for the development of air defense and future projects

Russia has the most modern means fight against enemy missiles and aircraft, but there are already defense projects 15-20 years ahead, when the place air combat there will be not only the sky, but also the neighbor space.

The S-500 is such a complex. This type of weapon has not yet been adopted for service, but is being tested. It is expected to be capable of destroying medium-range ballistic missiles with a launch range of 3,500 km and intercontinental ballistic missiles. This complex will be capable of destroying targets within a radius of 600 km, the speed of which reaches 7 km/s. The detection range is expected to be increased by 150-200 km compared to the S-400.

The BUK-M3 is also in development and should soon be put into service.

Thus, we note that soon air defense and missile defense troops will have to defend and fight not only close to the ground, but also in nearby space. From this it is clear that development will go towards combating enemy aircraft, missiles and satellites in near space.

10. Conclusion

In our work, we examined the development of the air defense system of our country and the United States in the period from the 50s of the twentieth century to the present day, looking partly into the future. It should be noted that the development of the air defense system was not easy for our country; it was a real breakthrough through a number of difficulties. There was a time when we tried to catch up with global military technologies. Now everything is different; Russia occupies a leading position in the fight against enemy aircraft and missiles. We can truly believe that we are under reliable protection.

As we have already noted, at first 60 years ago they fought with low-flying bombers at subsonic speeds, and now the battle arena is gradually moving to near outer space and hypersonic speeds. Progress does not stand still, so it is worth thinking about the prospects for the development of your Armed Forces and predicting the actions and development of technologies and tactics of the enemy.

We hope that all the military technologies currently available will not be needed for combat use. Nowadays, weapons of deterrence are not only nuclear weapon, but also any other types of weapons, including air and missile defense systems.

List of used literature

1) Anti-aircraft rocket troops in the wars in Vietnam and the Middle East (in the period 1965-1973). Under the general editorship of Colonel General of Artillery I.M. Gurinov. Military Publishing House of the USSR Ministry of Defense, Moscow 1980

2) General information about the S-200 anti-aircraft missile system and the design of the 5V21A missile. Tutorial. Military Publishing House of the USSR Ministry of Defense, Moscow - 1972

3) Golden eagle. Technical project. Section 1. general characteristics air defense complex Berkut. 1951

4) Tactics of anti-aircraft missile forces. Textbook. Military Publishing House of the USSR Ministry of Defense, Moscow - 1969

5) http://www.arms-expo.ru/ "Weapons of Russia" - federal directory

6) http://militaryrussia.ru/ - domestic military equipment(after 1945)

7) http://topwar.ru/ - military review

Http://rbase.new-factoria.ru/ - rocketry

9) https://ru.wikipedia.org - free encyclopedia

Svyatoslav Petrov

Russia celebrated Military Air Defense Day on Tuesday. Control over the sky is one of the most pressing tasks for ensuring the country's security. Russian air defense units are being replenished with the latest radar and anti-aircraft systems, some of them have no analogues in the world. As the Ministry of Defense expects, the current pace of rearmament will significantly increase by 2020 combat capabilities divisions. RT looked into why Russia has become one of the leaders in the field of air defense.

• The calculation of the self-propelled firing system alerts the Buk-M1-2 air defense system
• Kirill Braga / RIA Novosti

On December 26, Russia celebrates Military Air Defense Day. The formation of this type of troops began with the decree of Nicholas II, signed exactly 102 years ago. Then the emperor ordered to send to the front in the Warsaw region car battery, designed to destroy enemy aircraft. The first air defense system in Russia was created on the basis of the Russo-Balt T truck chassis, on which a 76-mm Lender-Tarnovsky anti-aircraft gun was installed.

Now the Russian air defense forces are divided into military air defense, the units of which are part of ground forces, Airborne Forces and Navy, as well as object air defense/missile defense, parts of which belong to the aerospace forces.

Military air defense is responsible for covering military infrastructure, troop groups at permanent deployment points and during various maneuvers. Object-based air defense/missile defense carries out strategic tasks related to protecting Russia’s borders from air attack and covering certain of the most important objects.

Military air defense is armed with medium and short-range systems, military expert, director of the Air Defense Museum in Balashikha, Yuri Knutov, said in an interview with RT. At the same time, the site's air defense/missile defense system is equipped with systems that allow it to monitor airspace and hit targets at long distances.

“Military air defense systems must have high mobility and maneuverability, fast deployment time, enhanced survivability and the ability to operate as autonomously as possible. Object air defense included in common system defense control and can detect and hit the enemy at long distances,” Knutov noted.

According to the expert, the experience of local conflicts in recent decades, including the Syrian operation, demonstrates the urgent need to cover ground forces from air threats. Airspace control is critical in a theater of operations (TVD).

Thus, in Syria, the Russian military deployed the S-300V4 anti-aircraft missile system (SAM) (a military air defense weapon) to protect the naval support point in Tartus, and the S-400 “Triumph” system is responsible for the air defense of the Khmeimim airbase (refers to the air defense/missile defense facility ).

• Self-propelled launcher S-300V air defense system
• Evgeny Biyatov / RIA Novosti

“Whoever controls the sky wins the battle on earth. Without air defense systems, ground vehicles become easy targets for aircraft. Examples include the military defeats of Saddam Hussein’s army in Iraq, the Serbian army in the Balkans, terrorists in Iraq and Syria,” Knutov explained.

In his opinion, the impetus for the rapid development of anti-aircraft technology in the USSR was the lag in the aviation sector from the United States. The Soviet government accelerated the development of air defense systems and radar stations to level out American superiority.

“We were forced to defend ourselves against threats from the air. However, this historical lag has led to the fact that our country has been creating the best air defense systems in the world for the last 50-60 years, which have no equal,” the expert emphasized.

Far Frontier

On December 26, the Russian Ministry of Defense reported that the military air defense is currently at the stage of rearmament. The military department expects that the arrival of the latest air defense systems will significantly increase the combat capabilities of the air defense forces by 2020. Plans to increase the share were previously announced modern technology in military air defense up to 70% in 2020.

“This year, the anti-aircraft missile brigade of the Western Military District received the Buk-MZ medium-range anti-aircraft missile system, and the anti-aircraft missile regiments of the combined arms formations received the Tor-M2 short-range anti-aircraft missile systems; the air defense units of the combined arms formations received the latest anti-aircraft missile systems.” Verba,” noted the Ministry of Defense.

The main developers of air defense systems in Russia are NPO Almaz-Antey and the Mechanical Engineering Design Bureau. Air defense systems are divided among themselves according to a number of characteristics, one of the main ones being the interception range of an air target. There are long-range, medium-range and short-range systems.

In military air defense, the S-300 air defense system is responsible for the long-range defense line. The system was developed in the USSR in the 1980s, but has undergone many upgrades, which has improved its combat effectiveness.

The most modern version of the complex is the S-300V4. The air defense system is armed with three types of guided hypersonic two-stage solid-fuel missiles: light (9M83M), medium (9M82M) and heavy (9M82MD).

The C-300B4 provides simultaneous destruction of 16 ballistic missiles and 24 aerodynamic targets (aircraft and drones) at a range of up to 400 km (heavy missile), 200 km (medium missile) or 150 km (light missile), at an altitude of up to 40 km. This air defense system is capable of hitting targets whose speed can reach up to 4500 m/s.

The S-300V4 includes launchers (9A83/9A843M), software (9S19M2 “Ginger”) and all-round radar systems (9S15M “Obzor-3”). All vehicles have a tracked chassis and are therefore all-terrain. The S-300V4 is capable of conducting long-term combat duty in the most extreme climatic conditions.

The C-300V4 entered service in 2014. The Western Military District was the first to receive this missile system. The latest anti-aircraft missile systems were deployed to protect the Olympic venues in Sochi in 2014, and later the air defense system was deployed to cover Tartus. In the future, the C-300B4 will replace all long-range military systems.

“The S-300V4 is capable of fighting both aircraft and missiles. the main problem modernity in the field of air defense - the fight against hypersonic missiles. The S-300V4 air defense missile system, due to its dual homing system and high flight characteristics, is capable of hitting almost all types of modern ballistic, tactical and cruise missiles,” said Knutov.

According to the expert, the United States was hunting for S-300 technologies - and at the turn of the 1980s-1990s they managed to obtain several Soviet air defense systems. Based on these systems, the United States developed the THAAD air defense/missile defense system and improved the characteristics of the Patriot air defense system, but the Americans were unable to completely repeat the success of Soviet specialists.

"Fire and forget"

In 2016, the Buk-M3 medium-range anti-aircraft missile system entered service with the military air defense. This is the fourth generation of the Buk air defense system created in the 1970s. It is designed to destroy maneuvering aerodynamic, radio-contrast ground and surface targets.

The air defense system provides simultaneous fire at up to 36 air targets flying from any direction at a speed of up to 3 km/s, at a range from 2.5 km to 70 km and an altitude from 15 m to 35 km. The launcher can carry either six (9K317M) or 12 (9A316M) missiles in transport and launch containers.

The Buk-M3 is equipped with two-stage solid-fuel 9M317M anti-aircraft guided missiles, which are capable of hitting a target in conditions of active radio suppression by the enemy. For this purpose, the 9M317M design provides two homing modes at the end points of the route.

The maximum flight speed of the Buk-M3 missile is 1700 m/s. This allows it to hit almost all types of operational-tactical ballistic and aeroballistic missiles.

The Buk-M3 divisional set consists of command post SAM (9S510M), three detection and target designation stations (9S18M1), illumination and guidance radar (9S36M), at least two launchers, as well as transport-loading vehicles (9T243M). All military medium-range air defense systems are planned to be replaced with Buk-M2 and Buk-M3.

“This complex features a unique missile with an active warhead. It allows you to implement the “fire and forget” principle, since the missile has the ability to homing at a target, which is especially important in conditions of radio suppression by the enemy. Moreover, the updated Buk complex is capable of tracking and firing at several targets simultaneously, which significantly increases its effectiveness,” Knutov noted.

Fire on the march

Since 2015, the Russian army began to receive short-range air defense systems "Tor-M2". There are two versions of this technology - “Tor-M2U” for Russia on a tracked vehicle and the export “Tor-M2E” on a wheeled chassis.

The complex is designed to protect motorized rifle and tank formations from air-to-ground missiles, guided and guided bombs, anti-radar missiles and other high-precision weapons of the new generation.

"Tor-M2" can hit targets at a range from 1 km to 15 km, at an altitude from 10 m to 10 km, flying at speeds up to 700 m/s. In this case, target acquisition and tracking occurs in automatic mode with the ability to conduct almost continuous fire at several targets in turn. In addition, the unique air defense system has increased noise immunity.

According to Knutov, the Tor-M2 and the Pantsir anti-aircraft gun-missile system are the only vehicles in the world capable of firing on the move. Along with this, the Tor has implemented a number of measures to automate and protect the complex from interference, which significantly facilitates the crew’s combat mission.

“The machine itself selects the most suitable targets, while people only have to give the command to open fire. The complex can partly solve issues of combating cruise missiles, although it is most effective against enemy attack aircraft, helicopters and drones,” the RT interlocutor emphasized.

Technology of the future

Yuri Knutov believes that Russian air defense systems will continue to improve taking into account the latest trends in the development of aviation and missile technology. The future generation of air defense systems will become more universal, will be able to recognize stealth targets and hit hypersonic missiles.

The expert noted that the role of automation in military air defense has increased significantly. It not only allows you to relieve the crew of combat vehicles, but also insures against possible mistakes. In addition, the air defense forces implement the principle of network-centrism, that is, interspecific interaction in the theater of operations within the framework of a single information field.

“Air defense systems will be most effective when a common network of interaction and control appears. This will take the combat capabilities of the vehicles to a completely different level - both in joint actions as part of a joint unit, and in the existence of a global intelligence and information space. The efficiency and awareness of the command will increase, as well as the overall coherence of the formations,” Knutov explained.

Along with this, he noted that air defense systems are often used as effective weapons against ground targets. In particular, anti-aircraft artillery complex“Shilka” performed well in the fight against terrorist armored vehicles in Syria. Military air defense units, according to Knutov, may in the future receive a more universal purpose and be used in the protection of strategic objects.

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 9M82 in order to shoot down ballistic Pershings and aircraft missiles such as SRAM, as well as long-flying aircraft. The second is 9M83, for destroying aircraft and ballistic missiles of the Lance and R-17 Scud types.

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 monitors the designated airspace and independently shoots down everything 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 stealth of the MD-PS is ensured through the use of optical means for detecting and guiding the missile using infrared radiation of the target in the wavelength range of 8-12 microns. 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 innovation; 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.

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

Well-known in expert circles think tank Air Power Australia in early February 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, it is not only the american planes F-15, F-16 and F/A-18, but even the promising fifth-generation Joint Strike Fighter, also known as the F-35 Lightning II. And in order to achieve the superiority that US military aviation enjoyed at the end of the 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 American politicians, whose career 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 the capabilities of modern air defense systems and aircraft, analysts also note that the Russian S-400 Triumph anti-aircraft missile system, produced by the Almaz-Antey air defense concern and already adopted by the 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. Anti-aircraft missile systems short- and medium-range missiles 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 using documents new air defense system took place 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 provide 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. An important difference between the S-400 and the S-300 is the new anti-aircraft missiles With active heads homing 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.

The 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 the reliable holding of the Olympic Games,” the general said in a recent interview.

Certainly, reliable protection both the people who arrived at the Olympics and the Sochi residents themselves - this 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 Not so long ago they were 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 will merge together.

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.

The possible deployment of elements of the US missile defense system in Europe is one of the reasons for the frequently asked question today: what can Russia oppose to these plans and what domestic means can be used to combat an air enemy? And if the first part of this issue has already been widely covered in the pages of print media, on air and on television, then its second half should be considered in more detail.

Missile defense and air defense systems are designed to combat various types aerospace attack means (ASCA) by destroying: the first - land- and sea-based intercontinental ballistic missiles (BMs), the second - aircraft, helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles, incl. Ballistic missiles and cruise missiles for tactical and operational-tactical purposes.

Second World War showed that a reliable air defense system is one of the main indicators of the combat capability of any state. Underestimation of this in 1939-1940. led to the dominance of German aviation in the air and heavy losses of the Red Army at the beginning of the Great Patriotic War. In a letter to President T. Roosevelt, written during the Battle of Stalingrad in 1942, I. Stalin noted: “The practice of war has shown that the bravest troops become helpless if they are not protected from air strikes.” As a result measures taken By the end of the war, the air defense systems of the Red Army destroyed 20 thousand aircraft, over 1000 tanks, self-propelled guns and armored personnel carriers, tens of thousands of enemy soldiers and officers.

As one of the results of the war, the outstanding commander G.K. Zhukov noted that “Great grief awaits that country that is unable to repel an enemy strike from the air.” This is confirmed by E. Lampe (Chairman of the Federal Administration local system Air defense of Germany until 1956) in the book “Civil Defense Strategy” with the words “Of course, you can’t win a war with air defense, but without air defense you will probably lose it.”

These statements were confirmed by post-war local wars and armed conflicts, in which the results of the confrontation between air defense systems and air defense systems, as a rule, determined the final outcome of military operations.

So, significant losses American aviation in Vietnam (at least 1294 aircraft during the period from August 1964 to February 1973) led to the inglorious end of this war for the United States and the emergence of a long-term “Vietnam syndrome”. Conversely, the inability of the air defense systems of Iraq and Yugoslavia to withstand modern air defense systems was one of the main reasons for their defeat in local wars ah 1991, 1993 and 1999 respectively.

To make maximum use of the capabilities of Russian air defense systems in new conditions, the concept of aerospace defense (ASD) of Russia was developed (signed by the President of the Russian Federation in 2006), which is based on air defense (AD) and missile and space (RKO) defense systems, as well as electronic warfare (EW).

The air defense system, which is the basis of the Russian aerospace defense, in peacetime, part of the forces and means is on combat duty in order to repel surprise attacks by enemy air defense systems on important objects military-state significance. With the beginning and during military operations, all air defense forces and means are transferred to full combat readiness and, together with other types and branches of the military, fight the air enemy in full. Today, anti-aircraft missile forces (ADM) of the Russian Air Force, military air defense troops and naval air defense systems of the fleet can be brought in to fight it.

Today, the air defense missile systems of the Russian Air Force are armed with anti-aircraft missile systems (SAM) and systems (ADS) of various ranges (such as S-75, S-125, S-200 and S-300), which have repeatedly proven their combat effectiveness.

S-75 "Volga" air defense systemmedium range - the first air defense system former USSR. Among his first victories were the defeat of a Taiwanese RB-57D reconnaissance aircraft in the Beijing area (October 7, 1959), American U-2 Lockheed reconnaissance aircraft near Sverdlovsk (05/1/1961), in China (September 1962) .) and over Cuba (10/27/1962). Many of the approximately 500 air defense systems delivered to the armies of 27 foreign countries were actively used in combat operations in the Middle East, Southeast Asia and the Persian Gulf, as well as in the Balkans. In addition to impressive results in Vietnam, this air defense system shot down several aircraft in the Indo-Pakistani conflicts, a US reconnaissance RB-57F over the Black Sea (December 1965) and more than 25 aircraft during the Arab-Israeli wars. It was used in combat operations in Libya (1986), Angola against South Africa, in Iraq, to ​​combat SR-71 reconnaissance aircraft over the DPRK and Cuba.

SAM S-125 "Pechora"short-range was created to combat low-flying air targets. High operational reliability and efficiency were demonstrated by about 530 air defense systems delivered to 35 foreign countries and used in a number of armed conflicts and local wars. The combat “baptism” of the S-125 air defense system took place in 1970 on the Sinai Peninsula, where in anti-aircraft battles this complex shot down eight and damaged three Israeli aircraft. S-125 anti-aircraft missile systems were used by Iraq in the war with Iran (1980-1988) and in 1991 to repel air strikes of multinational forces, by Syria - in battles with the Israelis during the Lebanese crisis of 1982, by Libya - to fire at aircraft The USA in the Gulf of Sidra (1986), Yugoslavia - against NATO aviation in 1999 (according to Yugoslav data, it was they who shot down the F-117A stealth plane, and damaged the second one).

Long-range is designed to destroy aircraft at ranges and altitudes of more than 100 km and up to 40 km, respectively. It was supplied to countries of Eastern Europe, North Korea, Libya, Syria, Iran. After the destruction of an Israeli E-2C Hawkeye aircraft at a range of 180 km (Syria, 1982), the American aircraft carrier fleet moved away from the shores of Lebanon. In April 1986, Libyan S-200 systems shot down three carrier-based attack aircraft A-6 and A-7 from the 6th American Fleet. Despite the US denial, the fact of their defeat was confirmed by objective control data and calculations by Soviet specialists.

S-300 air defense systemmedium-range and long-range, depending on the modification, is designed to combat various types of manned and unmanned airborne missiles, incl. and cruise missiles. For a long time, the S-300 has been on combat duty and covers Moscow, the Moscow industrial and other important regions of Russia. Its newest modification is the S-300PMU2 "Favorit", which has been repeatedly demonstrated at many exhibitions modern weapons, highly praised abroad and purchased by China, Vietnam and other countries.

Long-range - further development of the S-300 air defense system. It is capable of hitting all types of manned and unmanned aerial targets at a range of up to 400 km, as well as ballistic missiles with a launch range of up to 3,500 km, hypersonic and other modern and promising air attack weapons. The S-400 system, based on the results of tests at the end of 2006, was determined to be the basic air defense system for all types of the Russian Armed Forces and will enter service with the Russian army. In cooperation with the space forces, this air defense system, as well as the S-300PMU2, is planned to be used to combat ballistic targets and conduct non-strategic missile defense in the interests of the country and its armed forces.

Anti-aircraft missile and gun complex (ZRPK) "Pantsir-S1" short-range is designed for the defense of small-sized objects of military-state significance in any weather, climatic and radio-electronic conditions, day and night. Its combat capabilities provide effective fight with any types of aircraft, helicopters, including KR and airborne precision weapons. Currently, the air defense missile system has passed state tests and contracts have been concluded for its supply with the UAE and Syria.

Main characteristics of air defense systems and air defense missile systems of the Air Force

Military air defense troops solve a set of tasks to repel sudden air strikes, carry out combat duty and timely increase efforts in peacetime, and in wartime, together with the Air Force and other means, to cover groupings of troops and their objects from enemy air strikes when positioned on the spot , when moving, with the beginning and during hostilities. This branch of the military, the basis of which is the air defense troops of the Ground Forces, includes the air defense forces and means of the coastal forces of the Navy and the Airborne Forces.

Today, the military air defense forces are armed with mainly self-propelled air defense systems "Osa-AKM", "Strela-10" and "Buk", S-300V and "Tor" air defense systems, "Tunguska" air defense systems, as well as portable air defense systems type "Igla" and their modifications. A number of these weapons are in service with many foreign countries and have proven their effectiveness in combat operations.

Main characteristics of air defense systems and air defense systems of military air defense forces

At international exhibitions of modern weapons, domestic air defense systems and air defense systems have repeatedly demonstrated their high performance and confidently compete with foreign means, and such as the Tor-M1 air defense system and the Buk-M1 air defense system have no analogues in the world. It is planned to further increase the combat potential of military air defense by equipping it with new anti-aircraft systems.

Medium-range is an air defense weapon of the army (corps) level. Modernization and transfer to a modern element base increased the range (from 32 to 45 km), altitude (from 22 to 25 km) and speed (from 830 to 1100 m/s) of targets hit. At the same time, the number of target channels in the anti-aircraft division increased from 6 to 24.

SAM "Buk-M3"- further development of the complex and can be put into service in 2009 as a single military air defense complex at the army level. To effectively counter potential threats from the air in the next 12-15 years, new technologies and developments will be used in its creation. It is expected that the Buk-M3 will be capable of hitting air targets operating at speeds of up to 3000 m/s at ranges of 2.5-70 km and altitudes of 0.015-35 km. The anti-aircraft division will have 36 target channels.

A short-range divisional-level missile with a kill zone size, fire performance and ammunition load twice as high as the Tor and Tor-M1 air defense systems can enter service in 2008. The characteristics of the new air defense system will presumably ensure the destruction of targets, incl. and aviation high-tech weapons, operating at speeds of up to 900 m/s at a range of 1-20 km and altitudes of 0.01-10 km. One fighting machine will be able to simultaneously fire at up to 4 targets.

In 2008, it is planned to put into service self-propelled (“Ledum”) and portable (“Verba”) short-range air defense systems of the regimental level.

SAM "Bagulnik"will replace the Strela-10 air defense system. Its missile with a laser guidance system will presumably be capable of hitting targets operating at speeds of up to 700 m/s at ranges and altitudes of 1-10 km and 0.01-5 km, respectively.

MANPADS "Verba", the missile of which is equipped with a 3-band optical homing head, should replace its predecessors such as Strela-2 and Igla MANPADS of all modifications. In contrast, the indicators of the new complex in range (0.5-6.4 km), altitude (0.01-4.5 km) and speed (up to 500 m/s) are increased by 20%, 30% and 20% respectively. The response time of MANPADS does not exceed 8 s, and the mass of the warhead is increased by 20% and amounts to 1.5 kg.

In order to increase combat capabilities and extend their service life, existing military air defense systems, as well as air defense systems of the Air Force, are being modernized.

Thus, as a result of a complex of works, the service life of more than 450 BM can be extended by 12-15 years "Osa-AKM" 1976-1986 release, one of the most massive military complex. At the same time, its noise immunity will be increased and the process of combat work will be automated. It is planned that about 100 modernized Osa-AKM combat vehicles may enter the troops in 2009.

It should be noted that the great modernization potential is characteristic feature all domestic air defense systems, air defense systems and is of significant interest from foreign owners and potential buyers of our air defense systems.

Shipborne air defense systems, usually unified with ground-based air defense systems and missile defense systems, can also be used to combat enemy air in coastal areas."Osa-M"

"Hurricane"

"Fort"

"Dagger"

"Dirk"

Damage, km

N damage, km

V targets, m/s

R defeat. myself.

Terrestrial analogue

1,2-10

0,025-5

up to 600

0,35-0,85

"Wasp"

3,5-25

0,01-15

up to 830

up to 0.8

"Beech"

5-90

0,025-25

up to 1300

0,7-0,9

S-300P

1,5-12

0,01-6

up to 700

0,7-0,8

"Thor"

0,005-3,5

up to 500

0,7-0,8

"Tunguska"

The reform of the RF Armed Forces to a certain extent negatively affected the state of the air defense system as a whole.

Thus, in the air defense missile forces of the Air Force, the number of assets capable of covering objects of special importance with the required efficiency has noticeably decreased. This drawback is supposed to be eliminated through accelerated rearmament at new technology, modernization of the S-300PM for the purpose of use to combat non-strategic ballistic missiles, transfer to the air defense forces of military air defense formations equipped with the S-300V air defense system.

To maintain the combat potential of military air defense, existing army (corps), divisional and regimental sets of air defense systems must be preserved while actively being re-equipped with new equipment and improved organizational structure. The presence in their composition of means of different ranges will ensure the creation of a layered air defense system of troops capable of fighting modern types air targets, incl. OTR, TR and aviation precision weapons.

Thus, in the context of a continuous increase in the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of air defense systems, a similar approach should be taken to the means of combating them, considering the presence of an air defense system as one of the main factors in the combat capability of the state and ensuring its national independence.