Russia's S-400 Missile Defense System Has No Equal Globally

The S-400 Triumf, a top-tier anti-aircraft weapon system produced in Russia, has no parallels across the globe in terms of combat capabilities, defense expert Konstantin Sivkov told Radio Sputnik.

Take the US-built Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, for instance. "The THAAD has shorter range and is incapable of hitting targets beyond the horizon. In addition, it is purely an anti-ballistic missile system designed to shoot down ballistic missiles," he added.

The S-400, developed in response to President Reagan's Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI), also known as Star Wars, has a lot more to offer. The Triumf's first unique feature is its long range.

"The S-400 is capable of hitting targets at a height of up to 300 kilometers (186 miles). Its second distinctive feature is fire-and-forget capability. Its missiles are fitted with a homing device which can lock on a target and destroy it. Unlike US systems, the S-400 does not need to track the target," Sivkov explained.

In addition, the S-400 is the only missile complex in the world capable of hitting targets located beyond the horizon, the expert noted. The system is also well protected against electronic warfare.

Unsurprisingly, the S-400 Triumf has caused a stir. So far only China signed a contract for the deliveries of the cutting-edge missile defense system but many are likely to follow.

Saudi Arabia is said to be interested in purchasing the S-400s, while a $10 billion arms deal with India is expected to be inked during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Moscow in December.