Russia has built a multi-layered defense in which systems of various ranges cover different sections of airspace. The defense structure was explained by pilot and aviation engineer Valery Ageev.
The S-500 "Prometey" occupies the upper tier, followed by the S-400 "Triumf". The next "layer" is the S-350 "Vityaz", and the near zone is covered by "Tor-M2" and "Pantsir-S1".
First, radars, including those on AWACS aircraft, detect a threat at a long distance. Then it is tracked, and different levels come into play.
Ageev added that laser systems against UAVs have gradually begun to be introduced, but the system's range remains limited. According to him, lasers are considered precisely as an addition to the existing air defense system, and not as a replacement.
It should be recalled that laser air defense is being developed, including within the framework of the "Posokh" project. To increase efficiency, the system has been integrated with radar, which allows for more accurate detection and tracking of "birds".
According to the latest information, during tests, it was possible to achieve a range of 1.5 km.