S-400 Triumf or SA-21 Growler - anti-aircraft weapon system

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• published: 27 Mar 2013
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The S-400 Triumf (Russian: C-400 «Триумф») is a new generation anti-aircraft weapon system developed by Russia's Almaz Central Design Bureau as an upgrade of the S-300 family. It is currently in limited service with the Russian Armed Forces. The S-400's NATO reporting name is SA-21 Growler, and the system was previously known as S-300PMU-3. Its range is at least twice that of the MIM-104 Patriot. The S-400 uses 3 different missiles to cover its entire performance envelope. These are the extremely long range 40N6, long range 48N6 and medium range 9M96 missile. Each one has different capabilities. The development of the S-400 system began in the late 1990s. The system was formally announced by the Russian Air Force in January 1999. On 12 February 1999, the first tests were performed at Kapustin Yar in Astrakhan which were reported successful. As a result of this, the S-400 was scheduled for deployment in the Russian army in 2001. In 2003 it first became apparent that the system was not ready for deployment, but in August two high-ranking military officials expressed concerns that the S-400 was being tested using 'obsolete' interceptors from the S-300P and concluded that it was not ready for production. Finally the completion of the project was announced in February 2004. In April, a ballistic missile was successfully intercepted in a test of the upgraded 48N6DM interceptor missile. On August 23, 2007 indicated that Russia will not export the S-400 for the next few years. A complete version of the S-400, designated the HQ-19, was developed jointly with China. China provided the majority of the funding for development. Photos of the S-400 in China were released by Jane's Information Group in May 2009. Russia has also offered the system to the United Arab Emirates, Malaysia,and Greece. During the 2009 International Defence Industry Fair in Istanbul Turkey expressed interest in buying the system. Vice Chairman of Russia's State Duma Vladimir Zhirinovsky has urged the fast delivery of the S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems to Iran. On August 24, 2009, indicated that Belarus had submitted a formal request for two battalions of S-400 systems. India and Iran have also shown interest in this system. In the Turkish Long Range Anti Aircraft Missile Program S-400 is competing with Patriot Advanced Capability 3. SSM is going to make a decision in 2011. In September 2009, it was reported that the S-400 system is part of a two billion dollar arms deal being negotiated between Russia and Saudi Arabia. As of March 2010, this was still under negotiation. The Saudis want to buy twelve systems, each of eight launchers. The Saudis were trying to buy the more modern S-400, but the Russians reportedly only wanted to sell the older S-300. The S-400 Triumf (Russian: C-400 «Триумф»; NATO reporting name: SA-21 Growler), previously known as S-300PMU-3, is a new generation anti-aircraft weapon system developed by Russia's Almaz Central Design Bureau as an upgrade of the S-300 family. It is currently in limited service with the Russian Armed Forces. The S-400 uses three different missiles to cover its entire performance envelope. These are the extremely long range 40N6, long range 48N6 and medium range 9M96 missile. Each one has different capabilities.