The S-400 was developed in Russia and is a sophisticated air defense device with a range that reaches 550 km. It also has a target reach of 400 km. It is capable of engaging a variety of targets including fighter jets as well as strategic cruise missiles and aircraft up to five metres above ground. It is equipped with advanced electronic warfare systems and long range surveillance radars. The S-400 has been marketed to China, Turkey, and India.
Over the years, there have been many improvements to the S-400 system. The first successful tests were performed in 1999. It has a variety of capabilities, including very long range, a large target selection, and a command post that coordinates all of the missiles, batteries, and surveillance radars. Six to eight missile complexes are typical for an S-400 System.
It can locate and track a variety of targets including ships and aircraft. It can also use agile beam-steering and rapid frequency hopping to intercept targets. It can track targets up to 600km away and has a long-range surveillance radar that provides a complete view of the airspace. Additionally, the S-400 can track, detect and engage targets at five metres above the ground. It is also one among the most powerful air-to-surface missile systems on the planet.
The S-400 system has undergone several high-profile testing failures in the last few years. Russia has learned from the mistakes made and is now creating a system that will meet these challenges. The S-400 is being upgraded with new software and systems.
The S-400 has the ability to detect and track targets at 600 km range and can engage up a maximum of 36 at once. It has also been adapted to be used as an anti-ballistic missile system. The S-400 has a number of radars including the KRTP-91 Tamara, (Trash Can), as well as the 86V6 Orion(Mask). It is compatible with many different emitter locating devices, including the 85V6 Orion Vega (Vega), and the 59N6 GE Protivnik GE. It can also track stealth planes and is known as the "missile to the millennium."
The S-400 air defense system is not the only one with such a broad range and so many features. There is a similar Russian system, known as the NGAD, which is currently in development. The S-400 offers several advantages over the NGAD including speed and modularity. It is also capable of tracking and engaging a large number of targets, which means it can be deployed in minutes. When connected to AWACS, the S-400 becomes more difficult.
Although the S-400 is an impressive weapon, it does not offer a perfect solution. For example, its range can also be a problem in a large scale conflict. It is also vulnerable to attacks by volume, which is not uncommon in peer-level combat.
Additionally, the S-400 doesn't have the same capabilities as the NGAD. An integrated air defence system that is larger and more effective is better. Budget restrictions make the S-400 less effective.