2024-07-08 08:16:31
The latest system developed by Almaz-Antey, the S-350 Vitiaz, is designed to combat both aerodynamic and ballistic targets. Each launcher of the system is equipped with 12 surface-to-air missiles.
Russian propaganda touts the S-350 as having a fully autonomous, “unique” mode of operation against targets. The main feature of the system is the use of highly maneuverable missiles “9M96D” and “9M96DM”, which have a range of 60 km and 120-130 km, respectively. These missiles are equipped with active radar homing heads and gas dynamic guidance bands that allow kinetic interception of complex aerodynamic and ballistic targets maneuvering at accelerations of up to 25G.
Targets that the Vitiaz can intercept reportedly include ATACMS missiles and drones, including fixed-wing aircraft types. According to Commander Lev of Russia’s Southern Military Group, the S-350 simultaneously intercepted 12 HIMARS missiles.
“We recently worked on a large salvo of HIMARS missiles, about 12 to 16 targets. The system successfully intercepted all of them, preventing any of them from reaching their intended targets,” Lev said in an interview with RIA Novosti.
Despite these claims, even Russian media users are skeptical of these reports, with comments suggesting that it is just a promotional effort aimed at potential foreign buyers. It is reported that in practice, the Ukrainian Armed Forces were able to overcome the S-350’s defenses and hit targets with high accuracy, according to the Defense Blog.
2024-07-08 08:16:31