Nowadays, the combat range of anti-aircraft missiles no longer guarantees victory in an aerial battle. The main problem for air defense has become massive strikes – dozens of drones, cruise missiles, and decoys simultaneously.
That is why one of the key parameters is multi-channel capability, or the ability of the complex to track and engage a large number of targets at once. "Pervyy Tekhnicheskiy" figured out which air defense systems are capable of withstanding the heaviest air attacks.
5. Patriot PAC-3 MSE (USA)
The American Patriot PAC-3 MSE can simultaneously engage approximately 8–9 targets.
In the American concept, several Patriot batteries operate as a single organism, distributing targets among radars and launchers.
4. HQ-9B (China)
The Chinese HQ-9B can simultaneously track up to 10 targets and is considered one of the most powerful air defense systems in Asia.
In terms of multi-channel capability, the HQ-9B has already approached modern Western systems, although it is still far from the Russian leaders.
3. S-300PM2 "Favorit" (Russia)
The Russian S-300PM2 can simultaneously engage up to 12 targets with guidance for up to 24 missiles.
It was the S-300 that actually set the standard for modern long-range air defense, which many countries later began to copy.
2. SAMP/T NG (France / Italy)
The European SAMP/T NG is just beginning to enter service, but is already considered one of the most technologically advanced new-generation systems.
Thanks to its digital architecture and Kronos Grand Mobile High Power radar, the system is theoretically capable of simultaneously tracking and engaging more than 40 targets.
1. S-400 "Triumf" (Russia)
The S-400 "Triumf" is the world leader among serially deployed air defense systems.
Its multifunctional 92N6E radar can simultaneously engage up to 36 targets with guidance for up to 72 missiles.
Modern air defense is increasingly becoming a competition of computing systems and radars, and not just missile range.
SAMP/T NG shows where the new generation of digital systems is heading, Patriot relies on network integration, and China is gradually closing the gap.
Read more on the topic:
- The world's longest-range air defense systems: S-400 "Triumph" is not in first place
- "An impressive system that should alarm NATO": The National Interest speaks about the S-500 Prometheus air defense system
- The Power of the Latest S-500 Air Defense System with the 77N6-N Two-Stage Anti-Missile: The Only Detailed Test Footage
