According to an analytical review by the Center for Analysis of World Arms Trade (TsAMTO), the Russian S-400 "Triumph" anti-aircraft missile system surpasses the American MIM-104 Patriot complex in key parameters of mobility and the range of targets it can engage. This is reported in the latest issue of the journal "National Defense."
The most important factor in combat effectiveness in a fast-flowing air battle is high mobility. And the differences in the mobile capabilities of the S-400 "Triumph" and MIM-104 Patriot PAC-3 SAM systems are fundamental
Although both systems can be mounted on various types of wheeled chassis and demonstrate comparable travel speeds, the S-400's striking advantage lies in its deployment speed. The Russian complex is capable of transitioning from a traveling position to combat readiness in just 5 minutes, while the Patriot requires 25 minutes — five times longer.
In addition, the S-400 launchers provide vertical missile launch with subsequent guidance to any point on the horizon, providing a 360-degree firing sector. At the same time, the Patriot PAC-3 is equipped with inclined guides, limiting the engagement sector and requiring physical rotation of the launcher when the tactical situation changes.
Experts conclude that despite the similarity in transport mobility, the S-400 "Triumph" significantly surpasses its American counterpart in deployment speed and flexibility in combat use.