Russia deploys new missile system
08 Aug 2007
Russia has deployed new S-400 surface-to-air missiles near Moscow. The S-400 Triumph missile complex, which was made operational on 6 August near the town of Elektrostal, about 50 km east of Moscow, will protect the Russian capital from aerial attacks.
The S-400 system is said to be several times more effective than its predecessor, the S-300. It is capable of intercepting aircraft, cruise or ballistic missiles, and even ICBM warheads; any object flying at altitudes from 10 metres to 30 km within a range of 400 km.
Russia plans to deploy the S-400 complexes in all major industrial regions by 2015. It will also be used to protect the 2014 Winter Olympics, which are to be held at the Black Sea resort of Sochi, in Russia.
The new anti-missile system was commissioned a day after Russian Navy commander-in-chief Vladimir Masorin announced that Russia is to start producing brand new intercontinental Bulava ballistic missiles for deployment on nuclear submarines. Russia has stepped up defence preparations after the US announced it would deploy its global missile shield in Eastern Europe, close to Russia’s borders.
.webp)
