The S-400 "Triumf" is rightly considered one of the best long-range surface-to-air missile systems in the world. Its main difference is the ability to use several types of missiles and simultaneously engage aerodynamic and some ballistic targets.

"Pervy Tekhnichesky" answers three main questions about the Russian air defense system.

How many missiles can the S-400 shoot down?

The system can simultaneously track up to 300 targets, and the complex's command post can control the fire of several divisions.

The number of simultaneously engaged targets depends on the composition of the complex, the type of missiles, radar operation, and the specific combat situation.

For example, the conditional figure of "shooting down 36 targets simultaneously" refers only to certain configurations and operating modes, and does not mean some universal limit.

Which is better – Patriot or S-400?

The S-400 has an advantage in the declared range of engagement of aerodynamic targets, which for the 40N6 missile was stated to be up to 400 km.

Patriot was primarily created as a universal air and missile defense system. Modern PAC-3 family missiles are designed to intercept ballistic targets, and the complex has extensive experience in real combat use.

Recently, "Pervy Tekhnichesky" compared the two systems by characteristics and identified a winner.

Is "Triumf" the most powerful in the world?

If we evaluate specifically the range of engagement of aerodynamic targets, the S-400 remains one of the world leaders. However, it cannot be unequivocally called the most powerful system.

The USA is developing Patriot and THAAD, Israel uses a multi-layered system from Iron Dome to Arrow, and Russia simultaneously has S-400 and more specialized missile defense systems.

Therefore, it is more correct to say: the S-400 is one of the most powerful long-range air defense systems in the world.