S-300 / SA-10 Grumble

The S-300 (NATO reporting name SA-10 Grumble) is a series of initially Soviet and later Russian long range surface-to-air missile systems produced by NPO Almaz, based on the initial S-300P version. The S-300 system was developed to defend against aircraft and cruise missiles for the Soviet Air Defence Forces. Subsequent variations were developed to intercept ballistic missiles.

The S-300 system was first deployed by the Soviet Union in 1979, designed for the air defence of large industrial and administrative facilities, military bases and control of airspace against enemy strike aircraft. The system is fully automated, though manual observation and operation are also possible.

Components may be near the central command post, or as distant as 40 km. Each radar provides target designation for the central command post. The command post compares the data received from the targeting radars up to 80 km apart, filtering false targets, a difficult task at such great distances.

The central command post features both active and passive target detection modes.

The project-managing developer of the S-300 is Almaz-Antey. S-300 uses missiles developed by both MKB “Fakel” and NPO Novator design bureaus (separate government corporations, previously named “OKB-2” and “OKB-8”).

The S-300 is regarded as one of the most potent anti-aircraft missile systems currently fielded.

An evolved version of the S-300 system is the S-400 (NATO reporting name SA-21 Growler), which entered limited service in 2004.

Variations and upgrades

Serial production started in 1975.

The tests have been completed in 1978 (P) and 1983 (V + 1987 for anti-ballistic V).

Numerous versions have since emerged with different missiles, improved radars, better resistance to countermeasures, longer range and better capability against short-range ballistic missiles or targets flying at very low altitude. There are currently three main variations.

S-300P

Land-based S-300P (SA-10)

This allowed the minimum engagement altitude to be set at 25 m.

Improvements to the S-300P have resulted in several major subversions for both the internal and the export market. The S-300PT-1 and S-300PT-1A (SA-10b/c) are incremental upgrades of the original S300PT system. They introduce the 5V55KD missile and the cold launch method thereafter employed. Time to readiness was reduced to 30 minutes and trajectory optimizations allowed the 5V55KD to reach a range of 75 km.

The S-300PS/S-300PM (Russian С-300ПC/С-300ПМ, NATO reporting name SA-10d/e) was introduced in 1985 and is the only version thought to have been fitted with a nuclear warhead. This model saw the introduction of the modern TEL and mobile radar and command-post vehicles that were all based on the MAZ-7910 8 × 8 truck.

This model also featured the new 5V55R missiles which increased maximum engagement range to 90 km (56 mi) and introduced a terminal semi-active radar homing (SARH) guidance mode. The surveillance radar of these systems was designated 30N6. Also introduced with this version was the distinction between self-propelled and towed TELs. The towed TEL is designated 5P85T. Mobile TELs were the 5P85S and 5P85D. The 5P85D was a “slave” TEL, being controlled by a 5P85S “master” TEL. The “master” TEL is identifiable thanks to the large equipment container behind the cabin; in the “slave” TEL this area is not enclosed and is used for cable or spare tyre storage.

The next modernisation, called the S-300PMU (Russian С-300ПМУ, US DoD designation SA-10f) was introduced in 1992 for the export market and featured the upgraded 5V55U missile which still utilised the intermediate SARH terminal guidance method and smaller warhead of the 5V55R but increased the engagement envelope to give this missile roughly the same range and altitude capabilities as the newer 48N6 missile (max. range 150 km/93 mi). The radars were also upgraded, with the surveillance radar for the S-300PMU being designated 64N6 (BIG BIRD) and the illumination and guidance radar being designated 30N6-1 in the GRAU index.

• S-300P total produced: 3000 launchers, 28,000 missiles for the S-300P

S-300PMU-1/2 (SA-20)

S-300PMU-2 64N6E2 acquisition radar (part of 83M6E2 command post)

The S-300PMU-1 (Russian: С-300ПМУ-1, US DoD designation SA-20A, NATO reporting name SA-20 Gargoyle) was also introduced in 1993 with the new and larger 48N6 missiles for the first time in a land-based system and introduced all the same performance improvements from the S300FM version including the increased speed, range, TVM guidance and ABM capability.

The warhead is slightly smaller than the naval version at 143 kg (315 lb). This version also saw the introduction of the new and more capable 30N6E TOMB STONE radar.

The S-300PMU-1 was introduced in 1993 and for the first time introduces several different kinds of missiles in a single system. In addition to the 5V55R and 48N6E missiles the S-300PMU-1 can utilise two new missiles, the 9M96E1 and 9M96E2. Both are significantly smaller than the previous missiles at 330 and 420 kg (730 and 930 lb) respectively) and carry smaller 24 kg (53 lb) warhead. The 9M96E1 has an engagement range of 1–40 km (0.62–25 mi) and the 9M96E2 of 1–120 km (0.62–75 mi). They are still carried 4 per TEL. Rather than just relying on aerodynamic fins for manoeuvring, they use a gas-dynamic system which allows them to have an excellent probability of kill (P_k) despite the much smaller warhead. The P_k is estimated at 0.7 against a tactical ballistic missile for either missile. The S-300PMU-1 typically uses the 83M6E command and control system, although it is also compatible with the older Baikal-1E and Senezh-M1E CCS command and control systems. The 83M6E system incorporates the 64N6E (BIG BIRD) surveillance/detection radar. The fire control/illumination and guidance radar used is the 30N6E(1), optionally matched with a 76N6 low altitude detection radar and a 96L6E all altitude detection radar. The 83M6E command and control system can control up to 12 TELs, both the self-propelled 5P85SE vehicle and the 5P85TE towed launchers. Generally support vehicles are also included, such as the 40V6M tow vehicle, intended for lifting of the antenna post.

China is building its own version of the S-300PMU-1, called HQ-10.

The S-300PMU-2 Favourite (Russian: С-300ПМУ-2 Фаворит – Favourite, DoD designation SA-20B), introduced in 1997 (presented ready 1996), is an upgrade to the S-300PMU-1 with range extended once again to 195 km (121 mi) with the introduction of the 48N6E2 missile. This system is apparently capable against not just short range ballistic missiles, but now also medium range ballistic missiles. It uses the 83M6E2 command and control system, consisting of the 54K6E2 command post vehicle and the 64N6E2 surveillance/detection radar. It employs the 30N6E2 fire control/illumination and guidance radar. Like the S-300PMU-1, 12 TELs can be controlled, with any mix of 5P85SE2 self-propelled and 5P85TE2 trailer launchers. Optionally it can make use of the 96L6E all altitude detection radar and 76N6 low altitude detection radar.

S-300F

Sea-based S-300F (SA-N-6)

Sea-based S-300FM (SA-N-20)

The S-300FM Fort-M (Russian С-300ФМ, DoD designation SA-N-20) is another naval version of the system, installed only on the Kirov-class cruiser Pyotr Velikiy, and introduced the new 48N6 missile. It was introduced in 1990 and increased missile speed to approximately Mach 6 for a maximum target engagement speed of up to Mach 8.5, increased the warhead size to 150 kg (330 lb) and increased the engagement range yet again to 5–150 km (3.1–93 mi) as well as opening the altitude envelope to 10–27 km (6.2–16.8 mi). The new missiles also introduced the ultimate track-via-missile guidance method and brought with it the ability to intercept short-range ballistic missiles. This system makes use of the TOMB STONE MOD rather than TOP DOME radar. The export version is called the Rif-M. Two Rif-M systems were purchased by China in 2002 and installed on the Type 051C air-defence guided missile destroyers.

Both naval versions are believed to include a secondary infrared terminal seeker, similar to the newer US Standard missile system, probably to reduce the system’s vulnerability to saturation. This also allows the missile to engage contacts over the radar horizon, such as warships or sea-skimming anti-ship missiles.

S-300V (SA-12)

In service 1984.

The 9K81 S-300V Antey-300 (Russian 9К81 С-300В Антей-300 – named after Antaeus, NATO reporting name SA-12 Gladiator/Giant) varies from the other designs in the series. This complex is not part of the C-300, including is designed by another developer.

It was built by Antey rather than Almaz, and its 9M82 and 9M83 missiles were designed by NPO Novator. The V suffix stands for Voyska (ground forces). It was designed to form the top tier army air defence system, providing a defence against ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and aircraft, replacing the SA-4 Ganef. The “GLADIATOR” missiles have a maximum engagement range of around 75 km (47 mi) while the “GIANT” missiles can engage targets out to 100 km (62 mi) and up to altitudes of around 32 km (20 mi). In both cases the warhead is around 150 kg (330 lb).

Radar modes are different and it requires the use of all methods of jamming, while S-300V system works completely passive mode.

While it was created from the same project, hence the common S-300 designation, different priorities resulted in a design quite different from the other versions. The S-300V system is carried on tracked MT-T transporters, which gives it better cross-country mobility than even the S-300Ps on 8 × 8 wheeled transporters. It is also somewhat more distributed than the S-300P’s. For example, while both have mechanically-scanning radar for target acquisition (9S15 BILL BOARD A), the battery level 9S32 GRILL PAN has an autonomous search ability and SARH delegated to illumination radar on TELARs. The early 30N6 FLAP LID on the S-300P handles tracking and illumination, but is not equipped with an autonomous search capability (later upgraded). 9S15 can simultaneously carry out an active search for goals (3 coordinates) and passive (2 position).

Chance to destroy a target by using single missile an interceptor (The official source)

Adopted in service in 1983 (1983 just using the missile 9M83), fully accepted in 1988.

9M83 /Chance/ MGM-52 Lance………. 0,5-0,65

9M82 /Chance/ MGM-31 Pershing…… 0,4-0,6

9M83 /Chance/ aircraft…………………… 0,7-0,9

9M82 /Chance/ SRAM rocket………….. 0,5-0,7

The S-300V places a greater emphasis on the ABM, with the dedicated 9M82 (SA-12B Giant) Anti-Ballistic missile. This missile is larger and only two can be held on each TELAR. It also has a dedicated ABM radar: the 9S19 HIGH SCREEN phased array radar at battalion level. A typical S-300V battalion is made up out of a target detection and designation unit, a guidance radar and up to 6 TELARs. The detection and designation unit consists of the 9S457-1 command post, a 9S15MV or 9S15MT BILL BOARD all-round surveillance radar and 9S19M2 HIGH SCREEN sector surveillance radar.

The S-300V uses the 9S32-1 GRILL PAN multi-channel guidance radar. Four types of missile-launcher vehicles can be used with the system:

• Transporter erector and radar (TELAR) vehicles, which not only transport the missiles, but also fire and guide them (includes radar illumination and targeting as well)). There are two models: the 9A83-1 TELAR holding four 9M83 GLADIATOR missiles and the 9A82 TELAR holding two 9M82 GIANT missiles.

• 9S15M Obzor-3 acquisition radar

  Launcher/loader vehicles (LLV), which transport the missiles and can reload the TELARs, and also fire missiles under the control of a TELAR. There are two models: the 9A84 LLV holding two 9M83 GLADIATOR missiles and the 9A85 LLV holding two 9M82 GIANT missiles.

Target detection range.

• 9S15M – 10 m² – 330 km and 3 m² – 240 km.
• 9S19M2 – 175 km (? m2) and two passive electronically scanned array, very high resistance to interference.
• 9S32M (TELAR 9A82/9A83) range is limited to 200 km, can work independently, or target designation from the C-300B, or a variety of other target designation data systems (AWACS aircraft and various ground-based radar). The size of 0.1 square metres (of the target – warhead of a ballistic missile) at ranges up to 140 km, and not less than 120. Alogically, 9S32 detection range – MGM-52 Lance 60 km, aircraft missiles 80 km, fighter or ballistic missile MGM-31 Pershing 140 km
• Size of 0.05 square meters at a distance of 30 km (aiming system in the rocket (10/3 seconds before the missiles hit the target)) in addition, the guidance system inside the rocket, supplements for missile guidance systems on commands from the 9A82 / 9A83 and 9S32, and missile guidance systems to passively on the radar illumination and radiation of 9A82 / 9A83.

S-300V system may be controlled by an upper level command post system 9S52 Polyana-D4 integrating it with Buk missile system into a brigade.

China has built its own version of the S-300V called HQ-18.

S-300VM (SA-23)

The S-300VM (Antey 2500) is an upgrade to the S-300V. It consists of a new command post vehicle, the 9S457ME and a selection of new radars. These consist of the 9S15M2, 9S15MT2E and 9S15MV2E all-round surveillance radars, and the 9S19ME sector surveillance radar. The upgraded guidance radar has the Grau index 9S32ME. The system can still employ up to six TELARs, the 9A84ME launchers (up to 4 × 9M83ME missile) and up to 6 launcher/loader vehicles assigned to each launcher (2 × 9M83ME missile each). An upgraded version, dubbed S-300V4 will be delivered to the Russian army in 2011.

The Antey-2500 complex is the export version developed separately from the S-300 family and has been exported to Venezuela for an estimated export price of 1 billion dollars. The system has one type of missile in two versions, basic and amended with a sustainer stage that doubles the range (up to 200 km (120 mi), according to other data up to 250 km (160 mi)) and can simultaneously engage up to 24 aircraft or 16 ballistic targets in various combinations.

• Became the first system in the world capable of simultaneously engaging cruise missiles, aircraft and ballistic targets. It also contains a private sector radar for countering areas affected by interference.

S-300V4

Also called S-300VMD. Official government data (according to the official statement of the general designer) – S-300V4 – Opportunity is S-400. S-300V4 as compared with the earlier S-300V is actually a new air defense system, created on modern element base. During its development the individual solutions from the previous generation of systems were used, but in general this is a new technique. Only such a system S-300 is used for the Russian Ground Forces (after 2012).

• Longer than 200 km range, the S-300VMD with 300 km range.

It is able to destroy the AWACS at a very large distance and thus do not allow others to get the planes targeting while in passive mode.

• Different versions of the NPO Novator 9M82MD S-300V4 missiles have a range of 400 km at Mach 7.5 or a range of 350 km at Mach 9 and can destroy maneuvering targets even at very high altitudes. Gladiator rockets significantly less.
• The system is available abroad, 2016 (Antey 4000).

S-400 (SA-21)

The S-400 Triumf (Russian С-400 «Триумф», formerly known as the S-300PMU-3/С-300ПМУ-3, NATO reporting name SA-21 Growler) was introduced in 1999 and features a new, much larger missile with 2 per TEL. The new complex is totally different. The project has been encountering delays since its original announcement and deployment has only begun on a small scale in 2006. With an engagement range of up to 400 km (250 mi), depending on the missile variant used, and specifically designed to counter stealth, it is by far the most advanced version incorporating the ability to survive PGM threats and counter advanced jammers by using automatic frequency hopping.

Specifications

An important quality of all complexes of the family of S-300 is the ability to work in various combinations within a single modification and within the same complex, between the modifications (limited), as well as through a variety of mobile superior command posts to line up in a battery of any composition, quantity, modifications, location and so on including the introduction of other air defence systems into a common battery.[40] the System for the defence of the major industrial and administrative objects, military bases and control points from the shock means of air-space attack of the enemy. Capable of hitting ballistic and aerodynamic targets. Became the first multi-channel anti-aircraft missile system, is able to accompany each system (ADMS) to 6 goals and build them up to 12 missiles. When creating funds management (FM), consisting of paragraph combat control and radar detection, solved the problem of automatic track initiation of up to one hundred goals and effective management divisions, located at a distance of 30–40 km from the (FM).

For the first time established a system with full automation of combat operation. All tasks—detection, tracking, target setting is considered, target designation, development of target designation, target acquisition, maintenance, capture, tracking and missile guidance, assessment of results of firing system capable of dealing automatically with the help of digital computing facilities. The operator functions are to control over the work of funds and implementation of the launch of rockets. In a complex environment, you can manually intervene in the course of combat operation. None of the previous systems possessed these qualities. Vertical launch missiles provided bombardment of targets flying from any direction without the reversal of the launcher in the direction of the shooting.

Missiles are guided by the 30N6 FLAP LID or naval 3R41 Volna (TOP DOME) radar using command guidance with terminal semi-active radar homing. Later versions use the 30N6 FLAP LID B or TOMB STONE radar to guide the missiles via command guidance/seeker-aided ground guidance (SAGG). SAGG is similar to the Patriot’s TVM guidance scheme. The earlier 30N6 FLAP LID A can guide up to four missiles at a time to up to four targets, and can track up to 24 targets at once. The 30N6E FLAP LID B can guide up to two missiles per target to up to six targets simultaneously. Targets flying at up to Mach 2.5 can be successfully engaged or around Mach 8.5 for later models. One missile can be launched every three seconds. The mobile control centre is able to manage up to 12 TELs simultaneously.

The original warhead weighed 100 kg (220 lb), intermediate warheads weighed 133 kg (293 lb) and the latest warhead weighs 143 kg (315 lb). All are equipped with a proximity fuse and contact fuse. The missiles themselves weigh between 1,450 and 1,800 kg (3,200 and 3,970 lb). Missiles are catapulted clear of the launching tubes before their rocket motor fires, and can accelerate at up to 100 g (1 km/s²). They launch straight upwards and then tip over towards their target, removing the need to aim the missiles before launch. The missiles are steered with a combination of control fins and through thrust vectoring vanes. The sections below give exact specifications of the radar and missiles in the different S-300 versions. It should be noted that since the S-300PM most vehicles are interchangeable across variations.

RADAR

The 30N6 FLAP LID A is mounted on a small trailer. The 64N6 BIG BIRD is mounted on a large trailer along with a generator and typically towed with the now familiar 8-wheeled truck. The 76N6 CLAM SHELL (5N66M etc.) is mounted on a large trailer with a mast which is between 24 and 39 m (79 and 128 ft) tall. Usually is used with a mast. Target detection range of 90 km if altitude of the target of 500 meters above the ground (with a mast).

The original S-300P utilises a combination of the 5N66M continuous-wave radar Doppler radar for target acquisition and the 30N6 FLAP LID A I/J-band phased array digitally steered tracking and engagement radar. Both are mounted on trailers. In addition there is a trailer-mounted command centre and up to twelve trailer-mounted erector/launchers with four missiles each. The S-300PS/PM is similar but uses an upgraded 30N6 tracking and engagement radar with the command post integrated and has truck-mounted TELs.

If employed in an anti-ballistic missile or anti-cruise missile role, the 64N6 BIG BIRD E/F-band radar would also be included with the battery. It is capable of detecting ballistic missile class targets up to 1,000 km (620 mi) away travelling at up to 10,000 km/h (6,200 mph) and cruise missile class targets up to 300 km (190 mi) away. It also employs electronic beam steering and performs a scan once every twelve seconds.

The 36D6 TIN SHIELD radar can also be used to augment the S-300 system to provide earlier target detection than the FLAP LID radar allows. It can detect a missile-sized target flying at an altitude of 60 metres (200 ft) at least 20 km (12 mi) away, at an altitude of 100 m (330 ft) at least 30 km (19 mi) away, and at high altitude up to 175 km (109 mi) away. In addition a 64N6 BIG BIRD E/F band target acquisition radar can be used which has a maximum detection range of 300 km (190 mi).

The S-300 FC Radar Flap Lid can be mounted on a standard pylon.

Surveillance radar

GRAU index	NATO reporting name	Specialisation	Target detection range	Simultaneously detected targets	NATO frequency band	First used with	Notes
36D6	TIN SHIELD	–	180–360 km (110–220 mi)	120	E/F	S-300P	Industrial designation: ST-68UM 350 kW to 1.23 MW signal strength
76N6	CLAM SHELL	Low altitude detection			I	S-300P
76N6	CLAM SHELL	Low altitude detection	120 km (75 mi)	180	I	S-300PMU	1.4 kW FM continuous wave
64N6	BIG BIRD	Regiment radar	300 km (190 mi)	300	C	S-300PMU-1
96L6E	CHEESE BOARD	All altitude detection	300 km	100		S-300PMU-1
9S15	BILL BOARD	–	250 km (160 mi)	250	S	S-300V
9S19	HIGH SCREEN	Sector tracking		16		S-300V
MR-75	TOP STEER	Naval	300 km		D/E	S-300F
MR-800 Voskhod	TOP PAIR	Naval	200 km (120 mi)		C/D/E/F	S-300F

Target tracking/missile guidance

GRAU index	NATO reporting name	NATO frequency band	Target detection range	Simultaneously tracked targets	Simultaneously engaged targets	First used with	Notes
30N6	FLAP LID A	I/J		4	4	S-300P
30N6E(1)	FLAP LID B	H-J	200 km (120 mi)	6	6	S-300PMU	Phased array
30N6E2	FLAP LID B	I/J	200 km	6	6	S-300PMU-2
9S32-1	GRILL PAN	Multi-band	140–150 km (87–93 mi)	6	6	S-300V
3R41 Volna	TOP DOME	I/J	100 km (62 mi)			S-300F

 

Extrasystemic Radar (greater effectiveness)

Compared. C-300 its own listed above. Includes powerful 91N6E Anti – stealth range 150, RCS 4scm 390 km, 0.4 m2 for 240 km.

Extrasystemic Radar multiply ability. Approximately 4-fold.

• Anti – stealth: Protivnik-GE, Gamma-DE UHF radar 0.1 m2 for 240 km
• United against all targets “Niobium” RLS (not excluding ballistic or stealth). Mobility 5 minutes. Frequency band S and UHF. Detection range of 600 km (1 sqm to 430 km), the target speed of 8000 km / h, 4791 miles, Mach 6.35. For detection, the owner of the state to transfer command of targeting items (in this application, the maximum speed grows from subordinates systems). Stealth. Quote – However, U.S. Air Force officials were dismissive of the technique. “Just because something is technically possible doesn’t make it tactically feasible,” one Air Force official with extensive stealth aircraft experience explained. All locators “Nebo” family have a double for the army air defence.

Missiles

Missile specifications

GRAU index	Year	Range	Maximum velocity	Maximum target Speed	Length	Diameter	Weight	Warhead	Guidance	First used with
5V55K/ 5V55R	1978/1982	47 km (29 mi) 75 km	1,700 m/s (3,800 mph)	1,150 m/s (2,572 mph)	7 m (23 ft)	450mm	1,450 kg (3,200 lb)	100 kg (220 lb)	Command
5V55R/5V55KD	after 1982	75/90 km (/56mile)	1,700 m/s (3,800 mph)	1,150 m/s (2,572 mph)	7 m (23 ft)	450mm	1,450 kg (3,200 lb)	133 kg (293 lb)	SARH
5V55U	1992	150 km (93 mi)	2,000 m/s (4,470 mph)		7 m (23 ft)	450mm	1,470 kg (3,240 lb)	133 kg (293 lb)	SARH
48N6	accepted on arms 1993[55]	150 km (93 mi)	2,000 m/s (4,470 mph)	2,800 m/s (6,415 mph)	7.5 m (25 ft)	500mm	1,780 kg (3,920 lb)	≈150 kg (330 lb)	Track-via-missile (TVM)
48N6E2	1992	195 km (121 mi)	2,000 m/s (4,470 mph)	2,800 m/s (6,415 mph)	7.5 m (25 ft)	500mm	1,800 kg (4,000 lb)	150 kg (330 lb)	TVM
9M82	1984	13–100 km (8.1–62.1 mi) 30 km (98,000 ft) alt	2,400 m/s (5,400 mph)				420 kg (930 lb)	150 kg (330 lb)	SARH by TELAR	S-300V
9M83	1984	6–75 km (3.7–46.6 mi) 25 km (82,000 ft) alt	1,700 m/s (3,800 mph)					150 kg (330 lb)	SARH by TELAR	S-300V
9M83ME	1990	200 km (120 mi)							SARH by TELAR	S-300VM
9M96E1	1999	40 km (25 mi)	900 m/s (2,010 mph)	4,800–5,000 m/s (10,737–11,185 mph)			330 kg (730 lb)	24 kg (53 lb)	Active radar homing	S-400
9M96E2	1999	120 km (75 mi)	1,000 m/s (2,240 mph)	4,800–5,000 m/s (10,737–11,185 mph)			420 kg (930 lb)	24 kg (53 lb)	Active Radar Homing	S-400
40N6	2000	400 km (250 mi)							Active Radar Homing	S-400

 

Means of camouflage and protection

• Masking components of S-300 systems are used in full-scale inflatable layouts, equipped with additional devices simulation of electromagnetic radiation in the infrared, optical and radar, (photo shoot 1, photo shoot 2).

Can also use other means of masking, like camouflage nets and placement of the components of C-300 in the trenches that considerably complicates the detection from long range. Station interference with radar enemy, SPN-30, Veil-1.

• Protection. Additional elements of protection is the placement of components of C-300 in the trenches (practiced as placing on the hills for a better view and more rapid care of the horizon, and in the trenches for stealth and protection against fragments of explosions), photo shoot 1, photo shoot 2.

Composite element to counter the radar missile program is for S-300 system Paperboy-E, the likelihood of intercepting missiles PIS type of HARM is 0.85 for missiles with active radar-guided, heat or body-managed system pointing the probability of interception of 0.85–0.99. Under the interception perceived inability of the object to cause harm because of his hit miss the target.

Comparison with other systems

Official designation of unit		S-300PMU	S-300PMU1	S-300PMU2	S-300VM/S-300V4	Patriot PAC-2	Patriot PAC-3
Range of, km	aerodynamic target	5–90	5–150	3–200	200 (400)	3–96	15, at most 20 / 0.3-20
	ballistic targets	at most 35	at most 40	5–40	40	20	15–45 (20) possible max 50
Height defeat, km	aerodynamic target	0.025–27	0.01–27	0.01–27	0.025–30 /?-37	0.06–24	15
	ballistic targets	(?)	(?)	2–25	1–30	3–12	15(?). 15, possible max 20.
Maximum target speed, m/s		1,150, at most 1,300 (for the escort 3000)	at most 2,800 (for the escort 10000)	at most 2,800	4,500 of ballistic targets	at most 2,200	at most 1,600
Maximum speed of the rocket complex, m/s		at most 2,000	2000	1,900	2,600 and 1,700/7.5M or 9M (more 3000) and (?)	1,700	(?) approximately 1,500
Number of simultaneously guided anti-aircraft missiles by one unit		at most 12	at most 12	at most 72	at most 48	at most 9
Number of simultaneously engaged targets by one unit		at most 6	at most 6	at most 36	at most 24	at most 9	at most 9
Mass of a rocket, kg		1,400–1,600	(?)	330–1,900	(?)	900	312
Warhead weight, kg		150	(?)	180	(?)	91	74
Minimum time between missile launches, seconds		3–5	3–5	3 (0 at start from differentCARRIERS MISSILES)	1.5 (0 at start from differentCARRIERS MISSILES)	3–4 (1 at start from differentCARRIERS MISSILES)	(?)
The set up time and clotting time of startingcomplex, mins		5	5	5	5	15/30	15/30(?)
Means of transportation		Wheeled	Wheeled	Wheeled	CATERPILLAR	semi trailer	semi trailer

 

Combat history

The system has put in strong performances in real-world exercises. In 1991, 1992 and 1993, various versions of the S-300 had successfully destroyed ballistic missiles and other objects in exercises, with a high success rate (90% or more if 1 missile interceptor is used). In 1995, it was the first system in the world to successfully destroy a R-17 Elbrus Scud missile in the air.

 China is to test the S-300PMU2 effectiveness in destroying targets in real exercises. This UAV (4.6 km) and simulator a strategic bomber aircraft (186 km), tactical missile (range of the system to the point of interception 34 km and a height of 17.7 km) and also against pinpoint missile. Although none of the S-300 versions have fired a missile in a conflict, it is considered a very capable SAM system that poses a significant hazard even to the most advanced aircraft or other airborne targets. In April 2005, NATO had a combat exercise in France and Germany called Trial Hammer 05 to practice Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses missions.

Participating countries were pleased that the Slovak Air Force brought a S-300PMU along, providing a unique opportunity for NATO to become familiar with the system.

Israel’s purchase of F-35 Lightning II fighters was allegedly motivated in part to nullify the threat of S-300 missiles that were, at the time the fighters were initially sought, subject to a potential arms sale to Iran.

The system can destroy ground targets at a range of 120 km (19,000 fragments or 36,000 according to various missiles). If the S-300 missiles are launched against ballistic missile launched, the range reaches up to 400 km.

In 2010, Russia announced that its military had deployed the S-300 systems in breakaway Abkhazia in 2008, leading to condemnation from the government of Georgia.

After a Russian Sukhoi Su-24 was shot down over Syria in November 2015, Russia deployed S-300 and S-400 to the region – some to the Khmeimim Air Base, some with the Russian cruiser Moskva.

Operators and other versions