Russia reorganizes its air defense systems amid losses in Ukraine.

The British Ministry of Defense recently reported that Russia's air defense capabilities, especially in remote areas, could be compromised due to the redistribution of key defense systems such as the S-400 following their losses in Ukraine. The S-400 systems, advanced long-range air defense units of Russia, are capable of targeting objects at distances up to 400 kilometers. This shift to strengthen defenses in Ukraine is likely to reduce protection along Russia's vast borders.
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5P85TM TEL for S-400 Triumph air defense system (Picture source: Vitaly V.Kuzmin)

British intelligence sources have emphasized that this reallocation of air defense resources illustrates the ongoing pressure on Russian military capabilities due to the conflict in Ukraine. It also highlights the challenges Russia faces in maintaining its standard defense posture over its vast territory.

The S-400 system, also known as Triumph, is a long-range air defense system developed by Russia. This system is considered one of the most advanced in the world for anti-aircraft and anti-missile defense. Its primary design is to detect and destroy aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles at various altitudes and distances.

What makes the S-400 particularly remarkable is its ability to engage multiple targets simultaneously and operate in an environment heavily disrupted by electronic countermeasures. It can track and target up to 36 targets simultaneously while guiding up to 72 missiles. Its detection range is impressive, capable of identifying aerial targets at distances of up to 600 kilometers, and it can strike targets at a distance of 400 kilometers.

The system consists of several components, including detection and tracking radars, missile launchers, and a command and control center. The S-400's radar, with sophisticated detection capabilities, plays a crucial role in locating and tracking aerial targets, including stealth aircraft. The missiles used in this system vary in range and capability, allowing for layered defense against various aerial threats.

Furthermore, the S-400 is mobile and can be deployed rapidly, making it suitable for modern military operations where mobility and flexibility are essential. It has been exported to several countries, thereby reinforcing its role and importance on the global geopolitical stage as a strategic air defense tool. The presence of the S-400 in a military arsenal is often seen as a significant force multiplier due to its ability to protect airspace against a wide range of aerial threats.

Reports from early November by British intelligence reveal that Ukrainian forces have significantly impacted Russian air defenses, potentially destroying at least four launchers of long-range air defense missile systems. Notable incidents include the successful strike by Ukrainian forces on a crucial air defense site in occupied Crimea on October 30, and the destruction of a strategic S-400 system near occupied Luhansk on October 25.