S-300 missile system

There are currently three main variations of the S-300, named S-300V, S-300P, S-300F. The production of the S-300 started in 1975, Numerous versions have since emerged with different missiles, improved radars, better resistance to countermeasures, longer range, and better capability at targeting aircraft flying at very low altitude as well as incoming munitions, such as anti-radiation missiles or glide bombs. S-300 system family tree S-300P (SA-10) The total production for the S-300P systems was 3,000 launchers and 28,000 missiles through 2012. S-300P/S-300PT The S-300P/S-300PT (, NATO reporting name SA-10A Grumble A) is the original version of the S-300. The P suffix stands for PVO-Strany (, or country air defence). In 1987, over 80 of these systems were active, mainly around Moscow. An S-300PT unit consists of a 36D6 (NATO reporting name Tin Shield) surveillance radar, a 30N6 (FLAP LID) fire control system, and 5P85-1 launch vehicles. The 5P85-1 vehicles are semi-trailer trucks. A 76N6 (CLAM SHELL) low-altitude detection radar is usually also a part of the unit. The S-300PT had a passive electronically scanned array radar and had the ability to engage multiple targets with a single fire-control system. Since the original system was semi-mobile, it took just over one hour to set up for firing. It ran the risk of the missile hot launch system scorching the transporter erector launcher (TEL). It was originally intended to use a track-via-missile (TVM) guidance system. However, the TVM system had problems tracking targets below , allowing incoming SEAD aircraft to effectively utilize terrain masking to avoid tracking. To improve tracking of low-altitude targets, a command-guidance system was added to guide the missile for the initial part of the flight. and is the only version thought to have been fitted with a nuclear warhead. This model saw the introduction of the modern TEL and mobile radar and command-post vehicles that were all based on the MAZ-7910 8×8 truck. The surveillance radar of these systems was designated 30N6. Also introduced with this version was the distinction between self-propelled and towed TELs. The towed TEL is designated 5P85T. Mobile TELs were the 5P85S and 5P85D. The 5P85D was a "slave" TEL, being controlled by a 5P85S "master" TEL. The "master" TEL is identifiable thanks to the large equipment container behind the cabin; in the "slave" TEL this area is not enclosed and is used for cable or spare tyre storage. S-300PMU Development of a modernized variant for export, called the S-300PMU (, NATO reporting name SA-10C Grumble C Radars used for the S-300PMU complex included the 30N6 (NATO: "Flap Lid") target engagement radar, the 76N6 (NATO: "Clam Shell") low altitude detection radar, and the ST-68U (NATO: "Tin Shield") 3D search radar. In addition, the 64N6 (NATO: "Big Bird") radar was used as a search radar at the regimental command post (an S-300PMU regiment typically consisted of three missile batteries). The warhead is slightly smaller than the naval version at . This version also saw the introduction of the new and more capable 30N6E TOMB STONE radar. The S-300PMU-1 was introduced in 1993, using different missile types in a single system for the first time. In addition to the 5V55R and 48N6E missiles, the S-300PMU-1 can utilise two new missiles, the 9M96E1 and 9M96E2. Both are significantly smaller than the previous missiles, at , respectively, and carry a smaller warhead. The 9M96E1 has an engagement range of , and the 9M96E2 of . They are still carried 4 per TEL. Rather than just relying on aerodynamic fins for manoeuvring, they use a gas-dynamic system which allows them to have an excellent probability of kill (Pk) despite the much smaller warhead. The Pk is estimated at 0.7 against a tactical ballistic missile, for either missile. The S-300PMU-1 typically uses the 83M6E command-and-control system, although it is also compatible with the older Baikal-1E and Senezh-M1E CCS command-and-control systems. The 83M6E system incorporates the 64N6E (BIG BIRD) surveillance/detection radar. The fire control/illumination and guidance radar used is the 30N6E(1), optionally matched with a 76N6 low-altitude detection radar and a 96L6E all-altitude detection radar. The 83M6E command-and-control system can control up to 12 TELs, both the self-propelled 5P85SE vehicle and the 5P85TE towed launchers. Generally, support vehicles are also included, such as the 40V6M tow vehicle, intended for lifting of the antenna post. China developed its own version of the S-300PMU-1, called HQ-15. Previously, the missile was referred to in a Western think tank as the HQ-10, causing confusion with the unrelated HQ-10 short-range point-defense missile system. The S-300PMU-2 Favorit (, NATO reporting name SA-20B Gargoyle The 9K81 S-300V Antey-300 ( – named after Antaeus, NATO reporting name SA-12 Gladiator/Giant) varies from the other designs in the series. and its 9M82 and 9M83 missiles were designed by NPO Novator. The V suffix stands for Voyska (ground forces). It was designed to be the top-tier army air defence system, replacing the 2K11 Krug, providing a defence against ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and aircraft. The 9M83 (SA-12A Gladiator) missiles have a maximum engagement range of around , while the 9M82 (SA-12B Giant) missiles can engage targets out to and up to altitudes of around . In both cases the warhead is around . While it was created from the same project, hence sharing the common S-300 designation with the S-300P air defense family, the S-300V had different priorities that resulted in a different design. The S-300V system is carried on tracked MT-T transporters, which gives it better cross-country mobility than the S-300Ps moving on 8×8 wheeled transporters. Its search, tracking, and command systems are more distributed than the S-300P's. For example, while both have mechanically scanning radar for target acquisition (9S15 BILL BOARD A), the battery level 9S32 GRILL PAN has an autonomous search ability and SARH delegated to illumination radar on transporter erector launcher and radar (TELAR) vehicles. The early 30N6 FLAP LID on the S-300P handles tracking and illumination, but is not equipped with an autonomous search capability (later upgraded). 9S15 can simultaneously carry out active (3 coordinates) and passive (2 positions) searches for targets. The S-300V uses the 9S32-1 GRILL PAN multi-channel guidance radar. Four types of missile-launcher vehicles can be used with the system:) There are two models: the 9A83-1 TELAR holding four 9M83 Gladiator missiles and the 9A82 TELAR holding two 9M82 Giant missiles. • 9S15M – with a cross section and with a cross section. • 9S19M2 – with an unknown cross-section; it contains two passive electronically scanned arrays with a very high resistance to interference. • 9S32M (TELAR 9A82/9A83) – range is limited to , can work independently, or receive target designation from the S-300V, or a variety of other target designation data systems (AWACS aircraft and various ground-based radar). Targets with a radar cross-section of are detected at ranges up to and are locked on at . The 9S32 detection range against MGM-52 Lance missiles is , aircraft missiles , fighter or ballistic missile (MGM-31 Pershing) (all of which the U.S. removed from service in 1991). • The ability to hit a target with a cross section of at a distance of (aiming system in the rocket (10/3 seconds before the missiles hit the target)). In addition, the guidance system inside the rocket supplements missile guidance systems commands from the 9A82 / 9A83 and 9S32, and the missile guidance systems to passively work with the radar illumination and radiation of the 9A82 / 9A83. A S-300V system may be controlled by the upper level command post system 9S52 Polyana-D4 integrating it with the Buk missile system into a brigade. China has built its own version of the S-300V called HQ-18. S-300V4 The S-300V4 is also called S-300VMD. It was developed to target high-value airborne targets, such as AWACS aircraft, at long distances. Different versions of the NPO Novator 9M82MD S-300V4 missiles have a range of at Mach 7.5 or a range of at Mach 9, and can destroy maneuvering targets even at very high altitudes. An export version exists, marketed as the Antey-4000. S-400 (SA-21) The S-400 Triumf (, formerly known as the S-300PMU-3/С-300ПМУ-3, NATO reporting name SA-21 Growler) was introduced in 1999 and featured a new, larger missile and several upgrades and new features. The project encountered delays since its original announcement, and deployment only began on a small scale in 2006. With an engagement range of up to , depending on the missile variant used, it was specifically designed to counter stealth aircraft. It is by far the most advanced version, incorporating the ability to survive PGM threats and counter advanced jammers by using automatic frequency hopping. ==Specifications==

S-300 variants will work together in various combinations, although interoperability between different variants is limited. Various higher-level mobile commands can coordinate certain variants at various locations into a single battery, and also integrate that battery with other air defence systems. and when launched on a ballistic trajectory, can reach up to . Early versions are guided by the 30N6 FLAP LID or naval 3R41 Volna (TOP DOME) radar using command guidance with terminal semi-active radar homing. Later versions use the 30N6 FLAP LID B or TOMB STONE radar to guide the missiles via command guidance/seeker-aided ground guidance (SAGG), similar to the U.S.-made Patriot's TVM guidance scheme. The earlier 30N6 FLAP LID A can guide up to four missiles at a time to up to four targets, and can track up to 24 targets at once. The 30N6E FLAP LID B can guide up to two missiles per target to up to six targets simultaneously. Early models can successfully engage targets flying at up to Mach 2.5, or around Mach 8.5 for later models, with one missile potentially being launched every three seconds. The mobile control centre is able to manage up to 12 TELs simultaneously. The original warhead weighed , intermediate warheads weighed , and the latest warhead weighs . Each warhead is equipped with a proximity fuse and a contact fuse. A warhead will expel from 19,000 etc.) is mounted on a large trailer with a mast that is between tall. It is usually used with a mast. With the mast, it has a target detection range of if altitude of the target is above the ground. Additional means of masking are used, such as MKT-2, MKT-3 and Volchitsa-KR camouflage nets. 34Ya6E Gazetchik-E system might be used for protection against anti-radiation missiles. A combined MAWS/decoy/aerosole/chaff system is claimed by the developer to have the 85% to 95% probability to defeat a single attacking HARM missile. SPN-30 and Pelena-1 radar jamming systems are also used against airborne radars. When using a prepared position for prolonged time, revetments might be used for TELs and additional equipment. == Comparison with other systems ==

Russian officials have stated that the system has performed well in real-world exercises. In 1991, 1992, and 1993, various versions of the S-300 destroyed ballistic missiles and other objects in exercises, with a high success rate (90% or more if 1 missile interceptor is used). In 1995, it was the first system to destroy a R-17 Elbrus Scud missile in the air. Israel's purchase of F-35 Lightning II fighters was allegedly intended in part to nullify the threat of S-300 missiles that were, at the time the fighters were initially sought, part of a potential arms sale to Iran. The fighter jets were eventually deployed by Israel in late October 2024 and disabled Iran's last three S-300 batteries in the first wave in a three-waved airstrike, thereby severely compromising Iran's air defenses. In 2010, Russia announced that its military had deployed the S-300 systems in breakaway Abkhazia in 2008, leading to condemnation from the government of Georgia. Syria After a Russian Sukhoi Su-24 was shot down over Syria in November 2015, Russia deployed S-300 and S-400 systems to the region – some to the Khmeimim Air Base, some with the . On 17 September 2018, a Syrian S-200 system downed a Russian military plane, killing 15 Russian service members. Moscow accused Israel of indirectly causing this incident, and announced that to keep its troops safe, it would supply Syria with modern S-300 anti-missile rocket systems. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu objected to the move in a telephone call with Russian president Vladimir Putin, stating that the delivery of S-300 anti-missile rocket systems to "irresponsible players" would be dangerous for the region. In 2020, Syrian military officials criticized the S-300 air defense systems supplied by Russia, saying they failed to protect Syrian sites from Israeli strikes. One official criticized the detection abilities of the system's radar. On 17 May 2022, Israel said that a Russian-operated S-300 missile system fired a missile at a F-16 operated by the IAF. If confirmed, it would be the first time Russian forces have fired on Israeli jets. According to Channel 13 news, Russia fired 13 missiles at an Israeli F-16, but none of the jets were intercepted by the missile salvos. On 26 July, Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz confirmed the initial report of one missile being fired by a Russian-operated S-300 system. However, he downplayed the incident as a "one-off", further stating that "our jets weren't even in the area". As the missile had not locked on, it was no threat to Israeli jets. It still remains the first use of an S-300 against the Israeli Air Force. 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict During the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the S-300 system took active part in an armed conflict for the first time, different versions being listed in the active inventory of both sides. The Armenian systems were initially deployed around Yerevan. On 29 September 2020, Azerbaijan reported that Armenia was moving its S-300 systems closer to the conflict zone, and vowed their destruction. On 30 September 2020, Azerbaijani Armed Forces claimed the destruction of an Armenian S-300 system without providing further details. The first alleged combat firing of the S-300 happened during the night between 1 and 2 October when the Armenian Ministry of Defense claimed that Armenian S-300s had downed three Azerbaijani drones (not missiles as initially claimed) bound for Yerevan. On 17 October 2020, Azerbaijani Armed Forces claimed the destruction of two radar elements that were part of an active Armenian S-300 SAM site being hit by a Bayraktar TB2 UCAV. Russo-Ukrainian war At the time of the beginning of Russo-Ukrainian war on 24 February 2022, Ukraine had around 100 active S-300 batteries with as many as 300 launchers inherited upon the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. By 8 April, the Russians had knocked out at least 21 of the S-300 launchers that outside analysts confirmed with photos or videos, with the actual total of destroyed launchers likely higher. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in his message of 16 March to the U.S. Congress, had consequently asked specifically for help acquiring more of the long-range missiles. "You know what kind of defense systems we need: S-300 and other similar systems", Zelenskyy said. On 30 March, Prime Minister Eduard Heger of Slovakia told CNN that he supported sending some of his country's own S-300s to Ukraine "because this is the equipment that Ukraine needs the most". On 8 April, U.S. President Joe Biden confirmed that Slovakia had transferred a Soviet-era S-300 system to Ukraine and said that the U.S. would reposition an American Patriot missile system to Slovakia in return. It appears that only one battery that was donated, which was a system that Slovakia inherited from the dissolution of Czechoslovakia in 1993. On 11 April, the Associated Press reported Russia's claims to have destroyed several air defense systems in Ukraine over the previous two days, indicating a renewed push to gain air superiority and take out weapons Kyiv described as crucial, ahead of a broad new Russian offensive in the east. Moscow claimed to have hit four S-300 missile launchers provided by a European country it did not name, but never showed any concrete evidence of that. Slovakia had given Ukraine such a system the previous week, but denied that it had been destroyed. Two attacks were previously reported by Russia on similar systems in other places. In early April, Iran also reportedly returned a large number of S-300 systems, for use against Ukraine, which it had purchased from Russia in 2007, along with a quantity of its own Iranian-made version, the Bavar-373, which has similar capabilities. Iran Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian refuted allegations of arms transfers to Russia in a call with Ukraine Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba. On 8 July, the governor of the Mykolaiv Oblast, Vitaly Kim, claimed that Russia had been using S-300 missiles in a land-attack role by fitting them with GPS guidance and that some 12 missiles were fired using such guidance. On 30 September, The Wall Street Journal reported the claim of Kyrylo Tymoshenko, an adviser to President Zelenskyy, that 16 Russian S-300 missiles configured for ground-attack struck near Zaporizhzhia, killing at least 30 civilians and wounding 50 others. Debris from S-300 missiles was found after having struck buildings in Kharkiv on 8 October. Stationary surface targets do not necessarily require retrofitting, as the original design accommodates them – particularly those that emit radiation, such as radars, which S-300 missiles can target precisely with onboard radiation tracking. On 14 April 2023, Sloviansk was hit by seven S-300 missiles, which killed at least 11 people. Russian S-300 strikes in Pokrovsk Raion on 6 January 2024 killed 11 and injured 8 according to local officials. On 10 June 2024, Ukrainian forces launched an attack near Chornomorskiy in Crimea destroying S-300 missile launchers. On 21 August 2024, the Ukrainian military claimed to have struck a Russian S-300 air defense system in Rostov Oblast possibly with a Neptune missile. ==Operators and other versions==

during a parade in 2016 The S-300 is mainly used in Eastern Europe and Asia, although sources are inconsistent about which countries possess the system. • – 8 regiments of S-300PMU2 • – 50 systems, unknown variant • bought two S-300PMU2 (SA-20B) SAM battalions for US$300 million in 2010, delivered in 2011 • – S-300PS systems delivered from Russia in 2007 to replace older S-300 model in the Belarusian inventory. Four divisions of S-300 missiles to be delivered in 2014. • – 8 S-300 launchers in service as of 2024. Divided into 2 units with 6 launchers each . • – China first acquired the S-300PMU-1 in 1993, and later became the first customer of the S-300PMU-2, in 2004. China also built the HQ-15 with the maximum range upgraded from . The total number of the S-300PMU/1/2 and HQ-15/18 batteries in the PLA are approximately 40 and 60, respectively, as of 2008. The total number of the missiles is well above 1,600, with about 300 launcher platforms. Five such SAM battalions are deployed and in active duty around the Beijing region, six battalions are in the Taiwan strait region, and the rest are in major cities such as Shanghai, Chengdu, and Dalian. Two Rif (SA-N-6) systems were purchased in 2002 for the Chinese Navy's Type 051C destroyers. By 2011, China had obtained 15 battalions (4 systems) of the S-300PMU-2. • – The S-300VM "Antey-2500" missile system was ordered in 2014, as part of a billion-dollar Egyptian-Russian arms deal signed later that year. The $1 billion contract comprises 4 batteries, a command post and other external elements. In 2015, Russia started delivering the system components, and Egyptian soldiers began their training in Russian training centers. By the end of 2017, all batteries had been delivered to Egypt. Russia is in talks with Egypt on the delivery of additional Antey-2500 systems. • – Originally purchased in 2007. Russia maintained a self-imposed ban on the sale of the S-300 until the easing of some US sanctions as part of the Iran nuclear deal framework in April 2015 and subsequent Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. Iran received four S-300PMU2 batteries from Russia in 2016, each consisting of a 96L6E target-acquisition radar, a 30N6E2 target-engagement radar, and four 5P85TE2 towed transporter-erector-launchers (TELs). The systems are supported by two 64N6E2 battle-management radars and linked using FL-95 antenna masts. The S-300s are operated by the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Defense Force. During air strikes on military targets in Iran in April and on Oct. 26 2024, Israeli aircraft disabled all of Iran's Russian S-300 anti-aircraft missile systems after Iranian radar systems were “breached” causing their screens to freeze. • – 10 battalions after the refurbishment (PS – version) (2009 or later), 5 free of charge (2014), and 5 free of charge (2015). • – North Korea has conducted tests with a system called Pongae-5 (KN-06). • – All variations. (1900 (S-300PT/PS/PMU, 200 S-300V/S-300V1 in 2010)), 2000 total launchers. All production in 1994 (actually 1990) or older, all the S-300PM complexes have been repairing and upgrading (Favorit-S). The S-300P/PT has been retired before 2008, some S-300PS are in service, but were to be retired in 2012–2013. Modernization of all S-300P units to the S-300PM1 version was to end in 2014. The useful life of each was increased by 5 years. PM 1 was upgraded to version PM 2. By 2015, the S-300V4 was to have been delivered. Modernization of all S-300Vs to S-300V4s was to end in 2012. • – S-300PT, S-300PS, S-300PMU, S-300V1. Only six systems were kept in working order between 2004 and 2014; as a result, only 40% of Ukrainian S-300 systems were in good condition prior to 2014. Due to the war with Russia, Ukraine started repairing and bringing back to service several armaments, including several S-300 batteries, with at least 4 batteries overhauled in 2014–15. 34 launchers remained in Crimea after the 2014 Russian annexation of Crimea. Prior to the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, the country had around 100 batteries. It received an additional battery from Slovakia in April 2022. • – Ordered 2 battalions of S-300VM "Antey-2500", which were delivered in May 2012. • – Bought two S-300PMU-1 systems (12 launchers) for nearly $300 million and RLS 96L6 after 2009. The systems were likely upgraded to the S-300PMU2 standard. Former operators • – One battalion created in 1990. Passed to Slovakia in 1993. • – One S-300PMU system delivered in 1989. Inspected by West German Air Force personnel in late August 1990. Returned to the Soviet Union in September 1990 as "sensitive technology" after negotiations between East Germany and the USSR. • – An S-300 PMU1 system acquired after the Cyprus Missile Crisis and operated by HAF on Crete, consisting of 1 regiment/4 systems/8 fire units/32 launchers / 175 missiles. Greece first fired an S-300 during the White Eagle 2013 military exercise, which was the first time it was used since it had been bought 15 years earlier. According to Greek Defence Minister Nikolaos Panagiotopoulos, Greece was prepared to transfer its S-300 system to Ukraine in exchange for a PAC-3 Patriot missile system. Additionally stating that: "The same procedure applies to any other Russian made air defense system that they may want to send to Ukraine." However, Greek prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis denied Greece's preparedness to send the S-300 to Ukraine for concerns that this move would create a gap in Greece's air defence. Despite initially being wanted by Ukraine, the Hellenic Air Force will be sending the S-300 to Armenia. • – One S-300PMU battery and 48 5V55R missiles inherited from Czechoslovakia. 3 missiles were fired during an exercise in Bulgaria in 2015. The battery was donated to Ukraine in April 2022 in response to the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. • – An order for 6 systems was signed in 2010. Syrian crews underwent training in Russia, and some of the S-300 components were delivered to Syria in 2013. Later, due to the weapons embargo against Syria and at the request of Israel, the deliveries were halted. After the Russian Su-24 shootdown in November 2015, S-300 missile batteries were officially deployed to Latakia province for the protection of the Russian naval base and warships at Tartus. These are operated by Russian crews. Russia was reconsidering deliveries of the S-300 to Syria after the missile strikes against Syria in April 2018, but this did not happen. Following the Syrian military's downing of a Russian Il-20 aircraft in Syria in September 2018, using a S-200 system (for which Russia held Israel responsible), Russian defense minister Sergei Shoigu on 24 September said that within two weeks, the Syrian Army would receive S-300 systems. Though the S-300 variant was not specified, the stated range of the system was to be . On 2 October 2018, Shoigu told President Putin during a broadcast meeting that the delivery of the S-300 system to Syria had been completed a day prior. On 8 October 2018, the Russian news agency TASS reported that three S-300PM battalions had been given to Syria free of charge, citing "On 1 October three battalion sets of S-300PM systems of eight launchers each were delivered to Syria". According to the source, the deliveries also included more than 100 surface-to-air missiles for each battalion. It is operated by the Syrian Air Defense Force. In 2022, the systems were removed from Syria. • – Passed onto successor states. Evaluation-only operators • – S-300P, devoid of electronics, purchased from Belarus in 1994. S-300V was purchased in Russia officially in the 1990s (complete set (except for 9S32 GRILL PAN multi-channel guidance radar)). Cancelled • – S-300 PMU1 system transferred to Greece after the Cyprus Missile Crisis and operated by the HAF on Crete. ==See also==

S-300V S-300P/PT/PS S-300PMU2 ==Notes==