Air defense forces. Russian air defense: prospects and challenges. Reaction of Western “partners” to the development of Russian aerospace defense

In the military development of many countries of the world, there is an increasingly stable trend towards the priority development of air attack weapons, forms and methods of their use, which fundamentally changes the nature of modern wars. The massive use of manned aircraft and cruise missiles (CR) against the most important military, administrative and economic facilities, infrastructure elements and troop groups has become one of the most characteristic features military actions at the end of the twentieth - beginning of the twenty-first century. There is a kind of shift in the center of gravity of the armed struggle to the air sphere. Along with aviation and the Kyrgyz Republic, there has been a steady trend toward the increasingly widespread use of tactical and operational-tactical ballistic missiles in regional armed conflicts.

In these conditions, the problem of ensuring air safety becomes one of the most important components national security state, which necessitates a comprehensive improvement of air defense forces and means, and an increase in the volume of tasks assigned to the air defense forces. The intensity of development of air attack weapons, their constant improvement tactical and technical characteristics leads to an increase in the complexity of the tasks of combating them.

The wars in Iraq (1991, 2003) and Yugoslavia (1999) clearly demonstrated the need for a well-established and effectively functioning air defense system for the country and troops, the weakness or absence of which, in conditions of the massive use of various means of air attack, inevitably leads to large casualties and material losses, and ultimately to military defeat.

Taking into account the experience of recent wars and armed conflicts, one of the important areas of military development in leading Arab countries is the development of air defense forces, equipping them with more effective means of detecting and destroying air targets at various ranges and altitudes, control systems and processing information about the air situation.

Today, Egypt and Saudi Arabia have the largest and most technically well-equipped air defense forces. Syria and Libya have significant air defense forces, but the quality of their technical equipment leaves much to be desired. Countries such as the UAE, Bahrain, Algeria, Jordan, Kuwait pay great attention to the development of air defense, and in Lately- Yemen.

At the same time, despite the efforts made, the quantity, and in many cases the quality of air defense systems, the level of training of air defense personnel in most Arab states does not allow them to effectively solve the problems of combating modern air attack weapons and thereby reliably cover even the most important administrative, economic and military facilities. Not a single Arab country has so far managed to create an integrated air defense and missile defense system that would simultaneously solve both traditional air defense tasks and new tasks to combat various types of missile weapons.

It is possible that with the adoption of American Patriot anti-aircraft missile systems (SAM) in the Armed Forces of Saudi Arabia and Egypt and in the event of the acquisition by Algeria, Syria and Yemen of Russian S-300 or S-400 type anti-aircraft missile systems (SAM), the armed forces of these countries will be able to solve individual missile defense problems.

The weakness of the air defense of Arab countries is that almost all air defense systems (air defense systems, anti-aircraft artillery, radar, equipment) electronic warfare(EW), etc.), which are in service with their armed forces, are foreign-made (Russian, American, French, English, Swedish, Swiss, Chinese, Italian, German and South African). Only Egypt has established its own production of certain types of air defense weapons, and even then under foreign licenses or based on foreign models.

Algeria. The air defense forces of the Andr are a separate branch of the armed forces and organizationally consist of three anti-aircraft missile regiments (ZRP), armed with the S-125 Pechora, Kvadrat and Osa air defense systems (a total of 100 up to PU). In addition, there are three brigades of anti-aircraft artillery (725 guns of 130, 100 and 85 mm caliber) and units of radio technical troops (RTV). In general, the country's air defense forces have disabilities, and the majority of the equipment in their arsenal is outdated.

Currently, in the Algerian ground forces, in addition to the air defense units that are part of the combined arms formations and units, there is one anti-aircraft missile (ZRDN) and six anti-aircraft artillery divisions. The ground forces are armed with the Osa and Strela-1 air defense systems; portable air defense systems "Strela-2"; as well as 900 anti-aircraft artillery guns (130 mm - 10, 100 mm S-19 - 150, 85 mm - 20, 57 mm automatic anti-aircraft guns (AZP) S-60 - 70, 37 mm AZP - 145, ZSU-23-4 "Shilka" - 330, ZU-23-2 - 75, 20 mm - 100).

In 1995-2000, with the participation of Russian specialists, work was carried out to assess technical condition and metrological maintenance of control and measuring equipment of the S-125 Pechora air defense missile system. Work to modernize the complex continues. The issue of modernizing existing and purchasing new Osa short-range air defense systems is being considered. Negotiations are underway with the American company Northrop on the purchase of electronic equipment for air defense systems and new radars. It is planned to create a unified integrated electronic warfare system for the Air Force and Air Defense Forces. The Algerian side is showing interest in purchasing Russian S-300 and S-400 air defense systems.

Personnel for the Algerian air defense forces are trained at the Air Defense School (training period is four years). The ground forces have a field and anti-aircraft artillery school. Some specialists for the air defense troops are expected to be trained in Russia.

Bahrain. Air defense units are part of the ground forces. They are represented by a mixed anti-aircraft division, consisting of two batteries of anti-aircraft guided missiles (SAM) and an anti-aircraft artillery battery. Air defense units are also included in combined arms units. In total, the Bahrain Armed Forces have 15 missile launchers (Advanced Hawk - 8, Crotal - 7), 78 MANPADS (RBS-70 - 60, Stinger - 18), 27 anti-aircraft guns (40 mm L/70 - 12, 35-mm "Oerlikon" - 15). In the coming years, it is planned to modernize the “Advanced Hawk” and “Crotal” air defense systems available to the troops, and to additionally purchase 100 MANPADS.

Egypt. Air defense troops (75 thousand people, including 50 thousand conscripts, reserve component - 70 thousand people) were allocated to independent species armed forces in 1968. They include anti-aircraft missile forces (ZRV), anti-aircraft artillery (AA) and radio engineering units. Air defense troops carry out their tasks of defending the country from enemy air attacks in cooperation with Air Force fighter aircraft and military air defense units. The Egyptian Air Defense Forces are one of the largest and most complex military systems in the Middle East.

The highest organizational unit of a branch of the armed forces is an air defense division, which, depending on the nature of the tasks performed, may include several anti-aircraft missile brigades (4-8 missile brigades in each), anti-aircraft artillery regiments and divisions, as well as RTV units. There are five divisions in total (according to the number of air defense zones: Central, Western, Northern, Eastern and Southern). There are also separate anti-aircraft missile brigades and up to 100 ZA divisions. The basis of Egypt's air defense forces and means still consists of anti-aircraft missile and artillery systems supplied in the 1970s from the USSR. Currently, Egypt is taking measures to gradually modernize its air defense forces and increase their combat effectiveness.

The air defense missile system is armed with 40 S-75 air defense systems, 50 S-125 air defense systems, 14 Kvadrat air defense systems, 12 Advanced Hawk missile defense batteries, 12 Chaparel missile defense batteries, 14 Crotal missile defense batteries. In total, the troops have 875 missile launchers (S-75 - 300, S-125 - 232, Kvadrat - 200, Improved Hawk - 78, Chaparral - 33, Crotal - 32). The air defense units also have 18 anti-aircraft missile and gun systems (ZRPK) "Amon" (short-range air defense system "Skygard" RIM-7F "Sparou" and 35-mm anti-aircraft guns) and 36 air defense missile systems of national production "Sinai-23" (twin 23 -mm ZU and MANPADS "Ain Sakr"). The anti-aircraft artillery units are armed with up to 2,000 guns of 100, 85, 57, 37, 35, 30 and 23 mm caliber, as well as Strela-2 and Ain Sakr MANPADS. The radio technical troops are equipped with radars of Russian, English, American and Chinese production: P-11, P-12, P-14, P-18, P-15, P-35, “Obora-14”, “Tiger”, “Lion Systems” ", AN/TPS-59, AN/TPS-63, JY-9A.

Anti-aircraft missile units serve to cover important military installations, industrial zones, administrative centers and troop groups. They are designed to engage air targets at all altitudes. Anti-aircraft artillery units are designed primarily to combat low-flying air targets. The radio technical troops monitor airspace, collect and process data on the air situation, and control air defense forces and means.

With the help of the United States, Egypt has created a unified air defense control system that unites air defense firepower, fighter aircraft, automated radar surveillance and warning centers, as well as E-2C Hawkeye long-range radar surveillance aircraft (AWACS). Particular attention is paid to increasing the capabilities of air defense systems to detect and engage air targets at low altitudes.

The main grouping of forces and assets of the country's air defense forces is located in the areas of Cairo, Bilbeis, Beni Sueif, Luxor, El Minya, Ras Banas, Hurghada, Inshas, ​​Fayyad, Giankalis, Tanta and El Mansura.

In the second half of the 1990s, with Russian help, some air defense weapons were repaired and modernized. Deliveries of the Volga-3 air defense system, equipment for technical divisions, 5YA23 missiles for the Kvadrat air defense system, Oborona-14 and P-18 radars were carried out. Spare parts, new operational documentation and individual components were also supplied. Personnel were trained on the maintenance and use of the supplied equipment. In the period from 2001 to 2003, 50 S-125 Pechora air defense systems should be modernized to the Pechora-2 level (replacement of electronics, supply of new launchers, etc.). According to experts, after modernization the effectiveness of the air defense system will increase by 250-300%. At the same time, under US pressure, the Egyptians refused to purchase S-300 air defense systems from Russia.

The air defense forces should receive from the United States six batteries (48 launchers) of the Patriot missile defense system and 384 RAK-2 missiles. However, the Egyptians postponed the final resolution of this issue until 2006 for financial reasons. The Egyptian side is also showing interest in acquiring a ground-based version of the American AMRAAM missile for use in the interests of air defense. In particular, it is planned to replace Russian Kvadrat air defense systems with AMRAAM missiles. In 1996, a contract was signed with the United States to modernize the Advanced Hawk air defense system. An agreement was concluded with the United States on the modernization of the AN/TPS-59/M39 early warning radar, which were delivered in 1991.

The ground forces of Egypt are armed with 96 short-range air defense systems (M54 Chaparral - 26, Strela-1 - 20, Avenger - 50), Sinai-23 air defense systems - 36, MANPADS - over 600 (Strela- 2", "Ain Sakr", "Stinger"), anti-aircraft artillery guns (ZSU-57-2 - 40, ZSU-23-4 "Shilka" - 118, 57-mm AZP S-60, 37-mm AZP - 200 , 23 mm ZU-23-2 - 280).

Each mechanized division has an anti-aircraft artillery regiment and an anti-aircraft artillery battalion, and each tank division has an anti-aircraft artillery regiment or a mixed anti-aircraft missile and artillery battalion. A separate mechanized (infantry) brigade has an anti-aircraft division.

The country's enterprises produce and repair Sinai-23 and ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft systems, Ain Sakr MANPADS (a version of the Soviet Strela-2 MANPADS), and radar.

Officers for the Egyptian Air Defense Forces are trained at the Air Defense College (Alexandria), founded in 1974. The training period for command personnel is 4 years, for engineering personnel - 5 years. Advanced training for officers is carried out at the Air Defense Institute (established in 1967).

Jordan. The air defense forces are subordinate to a separate command (organizationally part of the Air Force headquarters) and are represented by two brigades of the Advanced Hawk missile defense system (14 batteries, 80 launchers) and several anti-aircraft artillery batteries. They cover the most important administrative, economic and military installations, mainly around the capital Amman. The Jordanian air defense system requires modernization. Currently, its radar systems have insufficient capabilities to detect low-flying targets. This is largely due to the mountainous terrain, which allows enemy aircraft to covertly approach the most important centers of the country at low altitudes. Moreover, the latter are located close to the border.

The armament and equipment of the air defense forces are maintained in combat-ready condition. Their technical maintenance is at an appropriate level. In the coming years, it is planned to modernize the Advanced Hawk air defense system and purchase three new radars.

The Jordanian ground forces have three air defense brigades, subordinate to the Northern Central and Eastern Commands, respectively. The armored division also includes an anti-aircraft missile brigade. The ground forces are armed with 144 air defense systems (Osa-AK - 52, Strela-10 - 92), MANPADS (Strela-2, Igla - 300, Redai - 260) and 416 anti-aircraft artillery guns (40-mm ZSU M42 - 264, ZSU-23-4 "Shilka" - 52, 20-mm ZSU M161 "Vulcan" - 100). Air defense units and subunits of the ground forces generally have good weapons And high level training of personnel.

Yemen. Currently, the military-political leadership of the country is placing the main emphasis in increasing the combat power of the national armed forces, increasing their combat capability and combat readiness on strengthening and developing the air force and air defense. Air defense units are part of the Air Force and number 2 thousand people. They are armed with S-75, S-125 and Kvadrat air defense systems. The government intends to purchase 5 divisions of the S-300 PMU-1 air defense system from Russia.

The ground forces have 2 air defense brigades, 4 separate anti-aircraft artillery divisions, and an anti-aircraft missile division. Each mechanized brigade has an anti-aircraft battery. The ground forces are armed with the Strela-10 air defense system, 800 Strela-2 and Strela-3 MANPADS, 530 anti-aircraft guns and installations (85-mm KS-12 - 40, 57-mm AZP S-60 - 120 , 37-mm AZP - 150, ZSU-23-4 "Shilka" - 50, ZU-23-2 - 100, 20-mm ZSU M163 - "Vulcan" - 20, 20-mm ZU M167 - 50).

Qatar. The Qatari Air Force has air defense units armed with short-range air defense systems Roland-2 (9 launchers) and Mistral (24 launchers), 42 MANPADS (Stinger - 12, Strela-2 - 20, "Blowpipe" - 10). It is planned to purchase a batch of MANPADS for the ground forces in the near future.

Kuwait. The national air force includes air defense units armed with 4 Advanced Hawk air defense systems (24 launchers), 6 Amon air defense missile systems batteries (each with two Aspid short-range missile launchers, a Skygard fire control system, a radar and two twin 35-mm Oerlikon guns), 48 Starburst MANPADS.

The Kuwaiti side is showing interest in acquiring Russian short-range air defense systems "Tor-1M" and air defense systems "Pantsir".

Based on the 1991 agreement, Kuwait is participating in the creation of a joint early warning radar network as a component of the joint command and control system in the structure of the GCC defense forces.

Libya. The air defense troops are part of the combined branch of the armed forces - the air force and air defense. At the same time, a special air defense command was organized after the events of 1986 associated with American air raids on Libyan targets. It has under its command 4 air defense brigades equipped with the S-200VE "Vega" air defense system (each brigade has 2 missile batteries of 6 launchers, 4 anti-aircraft artillery batteries, a radar company), 6 air defense brigades equipped with the S-75M "Desna" air defense system, 3 air defense brigades , equipped with the S-125M Neva-M air defense system, and 3 air defense missile systems equipped with the Kvadrat and Osa air defense systems (20-24 self-propelled launchers in each). The Russian Senezh system is used to control air defense forces and means. A significant part of the air defense weapons and equipment is physically and morally outdated, which, along with poor training of personnel, does not allow them to be used effectively to counter modern means of air attack.

Currently, the Libyan command expresses a desire to purchase 80 S-300PMU-1 (PMU-2) air defense missile launchers from Russia.

The air defense units of the Libyan ground forces are armed with the Strela-1, Strela-10 air defense systems, 24 Krotal missile launchers, and MANPADS. various types, 600 anti-aircraft artillery guns and ZSU (57-mm AZP S-60, 30-mm ZP, ZU-23-2, 40-mm ZSU M53, ZSU-23-4 “Shilka”).

Officers are trained at air defense military colleges in Tripoli and Misrata. There is also an air defense officer school. The duration of study in colleges and schools is from three to five years (for engineers).

Morocco. The territory of Morocco is divided into five air defense zones. Back in 1982, an automated control system for air defense forces and means came into operation. It includes an underground control and warning center and up to 10 stationary and mobile radar posts (RLP). 63 AN/TPS-43 radars, communications equipment and computers are deployed at the stationary radar stations. Mobile radars are placed on three trailers each and must, during a period of threat, by special decision, occupy pre-prepared positions. All control system equipment was manufactured in the USA, and Moroccan specialists were also trained there. Air defense radio units are organizationally part of the Royal Air Force.

The Moroccan ground forces have an air defense group. In total, the air defense units of the ground forces are armed with 37 M54 Chaparral missile launchers, 70 Strela-2 MANPADS, 205 anti-aircraft artillery guns (100-mm KS-19 - 15, ZU-23-2 - 90, 20-mm - 100 (M167 - 40, ZSU M163 "Vulcan" - 60).

UAE. Currently, the country does not have a unified air defense system. The bulk of the available air defense forces and means are organizationally part of the Air Force and perform tasks to cover administrative centers, oil complex facilities, airfields, and various military installations.

The air defense forces are represented by a brigade, which consists of three divisions armed with 21 short-range missile launchers "Rapier" (12 launchers) and "Crotal" (9 launchers), and 5 batteries of the "Advanced Hawk" missile defense system. In addition, air defense units have 13 RBS-70 and 100 Mistral MANPADS, as well as Igla and Javelin MANPADS.

All air defense systems are deployed in positions and are on combat duty. To support the activities of air defense fire weapons, a network of stationary radar posts equipped with radars manufactured in the USA, Great Britain and Germany has been deployed in the country.

The air defense units of the UAE ground forces are armed with 40 MANPADS (Mistral - 20, Blowpipe - 20), 62 anti-aircraft guns (30-mm - 20, 20-mm ZSU M3VDA - 42).

Considering the fact that at the present stage air defense forces and means are only able to carry out the tasks assigned to them to a limited extent, the Emirati leadership envisages the implementation of a set of measures to further develop the capabilities of the air defense forces. In particular, it is planned to purchase additional quantities of the Advanced Hawk air defense system. In August 2000, a contract was signed with Russia for the supply of Pantsir-1 air defense systems (50 launchers) in the amount of $734 million. The UAE is participating in the creation of a unified GCC air defense system.

Oman. Air defense units (two squadrons of short-range missiles "Rapier", 28 launchers) are organizationally part of the Air Force. Four additional batteries of 35-mm anti-aircraft guns were purchased from South Africa. The Rapier air defense system is being modernized to the level of the Rapier B1 (X) model with new rocket"Matra-2" with infrared guidance and proximity fuse. Negotiations are underway on the supply of an additional batch of Rapier missiles. In 2001, deliveries of Italian S793D radars were completed. It is planned to create a network of early warning radars and modernize the air defense communications system. The Italian side pledged to provide assistance in training personnel of radio engineering units.

The air defense units of the Omani ground forces are armed with MANPADS "Blowpipe", "Javelin" (14), "Strela-2" (34), 26 anti-aircraft guns (40-mm L/60 "Bofors" - 12, 35-mm GDF- 005 - 10, ZU-23-2 - 4). If the financial situation further improves, it is planned to purchase MANPADS, other weapons and equipment for military air defense.

Saudi Arabia. The air defense troops (16 thousand people) are an independent branch of the armed forces. They are headed by a commander who has his own headquarters. Air defense forces consist of anti-aircraft missile forces, anti-aircraft artillery and RTV units. Interceptor fighters are operationally subordinate to air defense.

Organizationally, the air defense forces are divided into six groups. The 1st group (headquarters in Riyadh) includes three batteries of the Advanced Hawk missile defense system and two batteries of the Oerlikon missile system; 2nd group (Jeddah) - three batteries of Us. Hawk", a battery of Krotal missile defense systems, two batteries of Shahin missile defense systems, a battery of 30-mm charger and two batteries of Oerlikon charger, as well as The educational center air defense troops; 3rd group - (Tabuk) - two batteries of Us. Hawk”, battery of “Shakhin” missile defense systems; 4th group (Khamis-Mushayt) - battery of Us. Hawk", a battery of "Shakhin" missile defense systems, two batteries of a 30-mm charger, a battery of "Oerlikon" charger; 5th group (Dhahran) - six batteries of Us. Hawk", two batteries of the "Shakhin" missile defense system, five batteries of the "Oerlikon" missile launcher; 6th group (Hafr el-Batin) - two batteries of Us. Hawk", four Oerlikon batteries. In total, the air defense forces have 33 missile defense batteries (16 - "Us. Hawk" and 17 - "Shakhin").

In total, the air defense forces are armed with 128 MIM-23B "Advanced Hawk" missile launchers, 141 "Shakhin" self-propelled launchers (SPU) and 40 "Krotal" SPU, as well as 270 anti-aircraft guns and installations: 35-mm "Oerlikon" - 128, 30-mm ZSU AMX-30SA - 50, 20-mm ZSU M163 "Vulcan" - 92. In addition, there are 70 40-mm L/70 anti-aircraft guns in warehouses.

The Gulf War gave a strong impetus to the development of Saudi air defenses, generally maintaining the general concept of their improvement, which included the creation of a multi-level integrated air defense system for the kingdom. In the 1990s, 21 batteries of Patriot missile defense systems (including 2 training ones) with 1055 missiles were purchased for the air defense forces. Further improvement of the country's air defense system is a priority area of ​​national military development. In the future, the command intends to bring the country's air defense system closer in efficiency to Western models.

Currently, air defense troops are entrusted with covering important administrative, economic and military facilities: the country's capital, oil production areas, troop groups, air force and missile bases.

Saudi Arabia's air defense forms the basis of the GCC's Peace Shield air defense system. Its construction was largely completed in 1995. The Peace Shield includes 17 AN/FPS-117(V)3 long-range radars, three D radar systems coupled with AN-PPS-43 and AN-TPS-72 short- and medium-range radars. The system's control center is located in Riyadh. It controls five sectors, with command posts located in Dhahran (East), Al Kharj (Centre), Khamis Mushait (South), Taif (West) and Tabuk (Northwest). Air Force Bases have operational centers that are integrated with AWACS aircraft (5 units) E-3A AWACS, fighter aircraft, missile defense and anti-aircraft artillery batteries.

Saudi troops are taking part in the regularly held joint air force and air defense exercises of the GCC countries "Peninsula Falcon".

Air defense systems of the ground forces are represented by the short-range air defense system "Shakhin" ("Krotal") and 1000 MANPADS ("Stinger" - 500, "Redai" - 500). The modernization of the Shahin air defense system continues. Each mechanized and armored brigade has an anti-aircraft division.

Officer cadres for the air defense forces are trained at the largest and oldest military educational institution in the kingdom, the Military College named after. King Abdulaziz in the Riyadh suburb of Al Ain.

Syria. The Air Force and Air Defense Forces (100 thousand people, including 40 thousand in the Air Force and 60 thousand in the Air Defense) represent a single branch of the armed forces. At the same time, the air defense forces have a separate command, subordinate to the commander of the combined branch of the armed forces.

The territory of Syria is divided into Northern and Southern air defense zones. To control air defense forces and assets, there are three fully computerized command posts.

Air defense formations and units are represented by two air defense divisions, 25 anti-aircraft missile brigades (individual and as part of air defense divisions, up to 150 batteries in total) and units of radio technical troops. They are armed with 908 SAM launchers (600 S-75 and S-125, 200 Kvadrat, 48 S-200 long-range SAM launchers, 60 Osa SAM launchers), as well as up to 4,000 anti-aircraft artillery guns.

The S-200 missile defense regiment consists of two missile divisions with two batteries each.

The air defense units of the Syrian ground forces are armed with 55 short-range air defense systems (Strela-10 - 35, Strela-1 - 20); 4000 MANPADS "Strela-2" and "Igla"; 2050 anti-aircraft artillery guns (100-mm KS-19 - 25, 57-mm AZP S-60 - 675, 37-mm AZP - 300, ZSU-23-4 "Shilka" - 400, ZU-23-2 - 650) .

The Syrian air defense system is armed mainly with outdated S-75, S-125 and Kvadrat air defense systems (the latter have undergone partial modernization work) and radio equipment that are not able to effectively counteract modern air attack weapons. There are problems with personnel training. The command, taking into account the significant role that aviation played in combat operations in the Persian Gulf, in the war in Yugoslavia and a number of other local conflicts, pays special attention to strengthening and improving air defense forces and means.

Syria expresses a desire to purchase S-300PMU air defense systems, Buk-M1 and Tor-M1 air defense systems from Russia.

Officers for the air defense forces are trained at the Air Defense College.

Sudan. The air defense troops are separated into a separate type of armed forces, which include five S-75 missile defense batteries (18 launchers) and anti-aircraft artillery units. All equipment is morally and physically outdated and is not able to effectively counteract modern means of air attack.

The Sudanese ground forces are armed with 54 Strela-2 MANPADS and anti-aircraft guns (85-mm, 57-mm AZP S-60 and Type-59, 37-mm AZP, ZU-23-2).

Tunisia. The country's air defense tasks are assigned to the ground forces. However, the air defense systems they have in their arsenal have limited capabilities to hit air targets only at low altitudes and are able to cover only individual objects.

The Tunisian ground forces are armed with 25 M48 Chaparral air defense systems, 48 ​​RBS-70 MANPADS, 115 anti-aircraft artillery guns (37-mm Type 55/65 AZP - 15, 20-mm M55 - 100). Each mechanized brigade has an anti-aircraft division. In the near future, it is planned to increase the number of MANPADS.

Mauritania. The ground forces have 4 anti-aircraft batteries. Air defense systems include 30 Strela-2 MANPADS, 100 mm anti-aircraft guns KS-19 (12), 57-mm AZP S-60 (2), 37-mm AZP (10), 23-mm anti-aircraft guns ZU-23-2 (20). The troops also have ZPU-2 and ZPU-4 anti-aircraft machine gun mounts.

Lebanon. The ground forces are armed with 10 40-mm M42 self-propelled guns and 23 and 20 mm anti-aircraft guns.

Djibouti. The ground forces are armed with 15 anti-aircraft guns (40 mm L/70 - 5, ZU-23-2 - 5, 20 mm - 5).

I was largely inspired to write this article by the excessive jingoistic sentiments of a significant part of the visitors to the site I respect “ Military Review“, as well as the slyness of the domestic media, which regularly publish materials about the strengthening of our military power, unprecedented since Soviet times, including the Air Force and Air Defense.

For example, in a number of media outlets, including on “VO”, in the “” section, a material was recently published entitled: “Two air defense divisions have begun protecting the airspace of Siberia, the Urals and the Volga region.”

Which states: “The Assistant Commander of the Central Military District, Colonel Yaroslav Roshchupkin, stated that two air defense divisions took up combat duty, starting to protect the airspace of Siberia, the Urals and the Volga region.

“The duty forces of two air defense divisions took up combat duty to cover administrative, industrial and military facilities in the Volga region, the Urals and Siberia. New formations were formed on the basis of the Novosibirsk and Samara aerospace defense brigades,” RIA Novosti quotes him as saying.

Combat crews equipped with S-300PS anti-aircraft missile systems will cover the airspace over the territory of 29 constituent entities of the Russian Federation, which are included in the area of ​​responsibility of the Central Military District.”

After such news, an inexperienced reader may get the impression that our anti-aircraft missile defense units have received qualitative and quantitative reinforcement with new anti-aircraft systems.

In practice, in this case, no quantitative, much less qualitative, strengthening of our air defense happened. It all just comes down to changing the staffing and organizational structure. New equipment did not enter the troops.

The anti-aircraft missile system of the S-300PS modification mentioned in the publication, with all its advantages, cannot in any way be considered new.

The S-300PS with 5V55R missiles was put into service back in 1983. That is, more than 30 years have passed since the adoption of this system. But at present, in air defense anti-aircraft missile units, more than half of the S-300P long-range air defense systems belong to this modification.

In the near future (two to three years), most S-300PS will either have to be written off or overhauled. However, it is not known which option is economically preferable, the modernization of old or the construction of new anti-aircraft systems.

The earlier towed version of the S-300PT has already either been written off or transferred “for storage” without any chance of returning to the troops.

The “freshest” complex from the “three hundredth” family, the S-300PM, was delivered to the Russian army in the mid-90s. Most of the anti-aircraft missiles currently in service were produced at the same time.

The new, widely publicized S-400 anti-aircraft missile system has only just begun to enter service. In total, as of 2014, 10 regimental sets were delivered to the troops. Taking into account the upcoming mass write-off of military equipment that has exhausted its service life, this amount is absolutely insufficient.

Of course, experts, of whom there are many on the site, can reasonably argue that the S-400 is significantly superior in its capabilities to the systems it is replacing. However, we should not forget that the air attack means of the main “potential partner” are constantly being qualitatively improved. In addition, as follows from “open sources”, mass production of the promising 9M96E and 9M96E2 missiles and the ultra-long-range 40N6E missile has not yet been established. Currently, the S-400 uses 48N6E, 48N6E2, 48N6E3 S-300PM air defense missiles, as well as 48N6DM missiles modified for the S-400.

In total, if you believe “open sources”, our country has about 1,500 S-300 family air defense launchers - this, apparently, takes into account those “in storage” and in service with the air defense units of the ground forces.

Today Russian troops Air defense (those that are part of the Air Force and Air Defense) have 34 regiments with S-300PS, S-300PM and S-400 air defense systems. In addition, not long ago several anti-aircraft missile brigades, transformed into regiments, were transferred to the Air Force and Air Defense from the air defense of the ground forces - two 2-divisional brigades of S-300V and Buk and one mixed (two divisions of S-300V , one Buk division). Thus, in the troops we have 38 regiments, including 105 divisions.

However, these forces are distributed extremely unevenly throughout the country; Moscow is best protected, around which ten regiments of S-300P air defense systems are stationed (two of them have two S-400 divisions).

The northern capital, St. Petersburg, is well covered. The sky above it is protected by two S-300PS regiments and two S-300PM regiments.

Google Earth satellite image. Layout of air defense missile systems around St. Petersburg

The Northern Fleet's bases in Murmansk, Severomorsk and Polyarny are covered by three S-300PS and S-300PM regiments. At the Pacific Fleet in the area of ​​Vladivostok and Nakhodka there are two S-300PS regiments, and the Nakhodka regiment received two S-400 divisions. Avacha Bay in Kamchatka, where the SSBNs are based, is covered by one S-300PS regiment.

Google Earth satellite image. S-400 air defense system in the vicinity of Nakhodka

The Kaliningrad region and the Baltic Fleet base in Baltiysk are protected from air attack by a mixed regiment of S-300PS/S-400.

Google Earth satellite image. S-400 air defense system in the Kaliningrad region at the former positions of the S-200 air defense system

Recently, anti-aircraft cover of the Black Sea Fleet has been strengthened. Before the well-known events related to Ukraine, a mixed regiment with S-300PM and S-400 divisions was stationed in the Novorossiysk area.

Currently, there is a significant strengthening of the air defense of the main naval base of the Black Sea Fleet - Sevastopol. It is reported that in November the peninsula's air defense group was replenished with S-300PM air defense systems. Taking into account the fact that complexes of this type are currently not produced by industry for its own needs, they were apparently transferred from another region of the country.

In terms of air defense cover, the central region of our country resembles a “patchwork quilt” with more holes than patches. There is one S-300PS regiment in each Novgorod region, near Voronezh, Samara and Saratov. The Rostov region is covered by one S-300PM and a Buk regiment each.

In the Urals near Yekaterinburg there are positions of an anti-aircraft missile regiment armed with S-300PS. Beyond the Urals, in Siberia, on a gigantic territory, only three regiments are stationed, one S-300PS regiment each near Novosibirsk, in Irkutsk and Achinsk. In Buryatia, not far from the Dzhida station, one regiment of the Buk air defense system is stationed.

Google Earth satellite image. S-300PS air defense system near Irkutsk

In addition to anti-aircraft systems protecting fleet bases in Primorye and Kamchatka, Far East there are two more S-300PS regiments covering Khabarovsk (Knyaze-Volkonskoye) and Komsomolsk-on-Amur (Lian), respectively; one S-300B regiment is deployed in the vicinity of Birobidzhan.

That is, the entire huge Far Eastern Federal District is protected by: one mixed S-300PS/S-400 regiment, four S-300PS regiments, one S-300V regiment. This is all that remains of the once powerful 11th Air Defense Army.

The “holes” between air defense facilities in the east of the country are several thousand kilometers long, and anyone and anything can fly into them. However, not only in Siberia and the Far East, but throughout the country, a huge number of critical industrial and infrastructure facilities are not covered by any air defense systems.

In a significant part of the country, nuclear and hydroelectric power plants remain unprotected, and air strikes on them could lead to catastrophic consequences. The vulnerability of Russian strategic nuclear forces deployment sites to air attacks provokes “potential partners” to attempt a “disarming strike” with high-precision weapons to destroy non-nuclear weapons.

In addition, long-range air defense systems themselves need protection. They need to be covered from the air by short-range air defense systems. Today, regiments with the S-400 receive Pantsir-S air defense missile systems for this (2 per division), but the S-300P and B are not covered by anything, except, of course, for the effective protection of 12.7 mm anti-aircraft machine gun mounts.

"Pantsir-S"

The situation with airborne lighting is no better. This should be done by the radio technical troops; their functional responsibility is to provide advance information about the beginning of an enemy air attack, provide target designation for anti-aircraft missile forces and air defense aviation, as well as information for controlling formations, units and air defense units.

During the years of “reforms,” the continuous radar field formed during the Soviet era was partially, and in some places completely lost.
At present, there is practically no possibility of monitoring the air situation over the polar latitudes.

Until recently, our political and former military leadership appeared to be preoccupied with other more pressing issues, such as the reduction of the armed forces and the sale of “surplus” military equipment and real estate.

Only recently, at the end of 2014, Defense Minister General of the Army Sergei Shoigu announced measures that should help correct the existing situation in this area.

As part of the expansion of our military presence in the Arctic, it is planned to build and reconstruct existing facilities on the New Siberian Islands and Franz Josef Land, it is planned to reconstruct airfields and deploy modern radars in Tiksi, Naryan-Mar, Alykel, Vorkuta, Anadyr and Rogachevo. The creation of a continuous radar field over Russian territory should be completed by 2018. At the same time, it is planned to upgrade radar stations and data processing and transmission facilities by 30%.

Fighter aircraft, designed to combat enemy air attacks and carry out missions to gain air superiority, deserve special mention. Currently, the Russian Air Force formally has (including those in “storage”) about 900 fighters, of which: Su-27 of all modifications - more than 300, Su-30 of all modifications - about 50, Su-35S - 34, MiG -29 of all modifications - about 250, MiG-31 of all modifications - about 250.

It should be taken into account that a significant part of the park Russian fighters is listed in the Air Force only nominally. Many aircraft produced in the late 80s and early 90s require major repairs and modernization. In addition, due to problems with the supply of spare parts and replacement of failed avionics units, some of the modernized fighters are essentially, as aviators put it, “doves of peace.” They can still take to the air, but they can fully perform combat mission- not anymore.

The past 2014 was significant for volumes of aircraft supplied to the Russian armed forces, unprecedented since the times of the USSR.

In 2014, our Air Force received 24 multifunctional Su-35S fighters produced by the Yu.A. Aviation Plant. Gagarin in Komsomolsk-on-Amur (branch of OJSC Sukhoi Company):

Twenty of them became part of the recreated 23rd Fighter Aviation Regiment of the 303rd Guards Mixed Aviation Division of the 3rd Russian Air Force and Air Defense Command at the Dzemgi airfield (Khabarovsk Territory) shared with the plant.

All these fighters were built under a contract dated August 2009 with the Russian Ministry of Defense for the construction of 48 Su-35S fighters. Thus, total manufactured machines according to this contract by the beginning of 2015 it reached 34.

The production of Su-30SM fighters for the Russian Air Force is carried out by the Irkut Corporation under two contracts for 30 aircraft each, concluded with the Russian Ministry of Defense in March and December 2012. After the delivery of 18 vehicles in 2014, the total number of Su-30SM delivered to the Russian Air Force reached 34 units.

Eight more Su-30M2 fighters were produced by the Yu.A. Aviation Plant. Gagarin in Komsomolsk-on-Amur.

Three fighters of this type entered the newly formed 38th Fighter Aviation Regiment of the 27th Mixed Aviation Division of the 4th Russian Air Force and Air Defense Command at the Belbek airfield (Crimea).

The Su-30M2 aircraft were built under a contract dated December 2012 for the supply of 16 Su-30M2 fighters, bringing the total number of aircraft built under this contract to 12, and the total number of Su-30M2s in the Russian Air Force to 16.

However, this quantity, significant by today’s standards, is absolutely insufficient to replace aircraft in fighter regiments that are being written off due to complete physical wear and tear.

Even if the current rate of supply of aircraft to the troops is maintained, according to forecasts, in five years the fighter fleet of the domestic Air Force will be reduced to approximately 600 aircraft.

Over the next five years, about 400 Russian fighters are likely to be decommissioned - up to 40% of the current roster.

This is primarily with the upcoming decommissioning of the old MiG-29 (about 200 units) in the very near future. Due to problems with the airframe, about 100 aircraft have already been rejected.

Unmodernized Su-27s, whose flight life will end in the near future, will also be written off. The number of MiG-31 interceptors will be reduced by more than half. It is planned to retain 30-40 MiG-31s ​​in the DZ and BS modifications in the Air Force, and another 60 MiG-31s ​​will be upgraded to the BM version. The remaining MiG-31s ​​(about 150 units) are planned to be written off.

The shortage of long-range interceptors should be partially resolved after the start of mass deliveries of the PAK FA. It was announced that it is planned to purchase up to 60 PAK FA units by 2020, but for now these are only plans that will most likely undergo significant adjustments.

The Russian Air Force has 15 A-50 AWACS aircraft (another 4 in “storage”), recently supplemented by 3 modernized A-50U.
The first A-50U was delivered to the Russian Air Force in 2011.

As a result of the work carried out as part of the modernization, the functionality has increased significantly aviation complex long-range radar detection and control. The number of simultaneously tracked targets and simultaneously guided fighters has been increased, and the detection range of various aircraft has been increased.

The A-50 should be replaced by the A-100 AWACS aircraft based on the Il-76MD-90A with a PS-90A-76 engine. The antenna complex is built on the basis of an antenna with an active phased array.

At the end of November 2014, TANTK named after. G. M. Beriev received the first Il-76MD-90A aircraft for conversion into the A-100 AWACS aircraft. Deliveries to the Russian Air Force are scheduled to begin in 2016.

All domestic AWACS aircraft are permanently based in the European part of the country. Beyond the Urals they appear quite rarely, mostly during large-scale exercises.

Unfortunately, loud statements from high stands about the revival of our Air Force and Air Defense often have little to do with reality. In the “new” Russia, an unpleasant tradition has become an absolute irresponsibility for the promises made by high-ranking civilian and military officials.

As part of the state armament program, it was planned to have twenty-eight 2-division S-400 regiments and up to ten divisions of the latest S-500 air defense system (the latter should perform the tasks of not only air defense and tactical missile defense, but also strategic missile defense) by 2020. There is now no doubt that these plans will be thwarted. The same fully applies to plans regarding the production of the PAK FA.

However, as usual, no one will suffer serious punishment for disrupting the state program. After all, we “don’t hand over our own,” and “we’re not in 1937,” right?

P.S. All information given in the article regarding the Russian Air Force and Air Defense was taken from open, publicly available sources, a list of which is given. The same applies to possible inaccuracies and errors.

Information sources:
http://rbase.new-factoria.ru
http://bmpd.livejournal.com
http://geimint.blogspot.ru
Satellite imagery courtesy of Google Earth

Air and Missile Defense Troops

Air defense

The Air Defense Forces of the Russian Federation were, until 1998, an independent branch of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation (RF Armed Forces). In 1998, the country's air defense forces were merged with Air Force in the new form of the RF Armed Forces - the Russian Air Force. In 2009-2010 All air defense formations of the Russian Air Force (4 corps and 7 air defense divisions) were reorganized into 11 aerospace defense brigades. In 2011, 3 air defense brigades of the Russian Air Force became part of a new branch of the Russian Armed Forces - the Aerospace Defense Forces.

It is necessary to distinguish the air defense troops of the Air Force of the Russian Federation and the aerospace defense brigade of the Russian Federation, which were previously organizationally part of the Air Defense Forces of the Russian Federation, from the Air Defense Troops of the Ground Forces.

Abbreviated name - VPVO of the Russian Armed Forces.

The tasks of the Russian Air Defense Forces (both an independent branch of the Russian Armed Forces and as part of the Russian Air Force, the Russian Air Defense Forces, the Russian Aerospace Forces) are: repelling aggression in the air sphere and protecting command posts of the highest echelons of state and military administration, administrative and political centers from air strikes , industrial and economic regions, the most important economic and infrastructure facilities of the country and groupings of troops (forces).

In 2015, the Air Force of the Russian Federation was merged with the Aerospace Defense Forces of the Russian Federation in a new branch of the RF Armed Forces - the Aerospace Forces of the Russian Federation, which organizationally included a new branch of the military - the Air Defense and Missile Defense Troops (Air Defense Forces).

Story

The date of formation is considered to be the date of creation of the Petrograd air defense system - December 8 (November 25), 1914.

In 1930, the Directorate (since 1940 - the Main Directorate) of Air Defense was created.

Since 1941 - air defense troops.

In 1948, the country's Air Defense Forces were removed from the subordination of the artillery commander and transformed into an independent branch of the Armed Forces.

In 1954, the High Command of the Air Defense Forces was formed.

In 1978, the transportable S-300PT air defense system was put into service (it replaced the older S-25, S-75 and S-125 air defense systems). In the mid-80s, the complex underwent a number of upgrades, receiving the designation S-300PT-1. In 1982, a new version of the S-300P air defense system was adopted into service with the air defense forces - the S-300PS self-propelled complex; the new complex had a record short deployment time - 5 minutes, making it difficult to attack by enemy aircraft.

1987 became a “black” year in the history of the Air Defense Forces. On May 28, 1987, at 18.55, Matthias Rust’s plane landed in Moscow on Red Square. It became obvious that the legal basis for the actions of the duty forces of the country's Air Defense Forces was seriously imperfect and, as a consequence, the contradiction between the tasks assigned to the Air Defense Forces and the limited rights of the leadership in the use of forces and means. After the Rust flight, three Marshals were removed from their positions Soviet Union(including the Minister of Defense of the USSR Sokolov S.L., Commander-in-Chief of the Air Defense Forces Koldunov A.I.), about three hundred generals and officers. The army has not seen such a personnel pogrom since 1937.

In 1991, due to the collapse of the USSR, the USSR Air Defense Forces were transformed into the Russian Federation Air Defense Forces.

In 1993, an improved version of the S-300PS complex, the S-300PM, was put into service. In 1997, the S-300PM2 Favorit air defense system was adopted.

Assessing the process of accelerating the physical aging of weapons and military equipment, the Defense Committee State Duma The Russian Federation came to disappointing conclusions. As a result, it was developed new concept military construction, where it was planned to reorganize the branches of the Armed Forces by 2000, reducing their number from five to three. As part of this reorganization, two independent branches of the Armed Forces were to be united in one form: the Air Force and the Air Defense Forces. Decree of the President of the Russian Federation (RF) dated July 16, 1997 No. 725 “On priority measures to reform the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation and improve their structure” determined the formation of a new type of Armed Forces (AF). By March 1, 1998, on the basis of the control bodies of the Air Defense Forces and the Air Force, the Directorate of the Commander-in-Chief of the Air Force and the Main Headquarters of the Air Force were formed, and the Air Defense and Air Force Forces were united into a new branch of the Russian Armed Forces - the Air Force.

By the time of the unification of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation into a single branch, the Air Defense Forces included: an operational-strategic formation, 2 operational, 4 operational-tactical formations, 5 air defense corps, 10 air defense divisions, 63 units of anti-aircraft missile forces, 25 fighter air regiments, 35 radio engineering units troops, 6 formations and reconnaissance units and 5 electronic warfare units. In service there were: 20 aircraft of the A-50 radar surveillance and guidance complex, more than 700 air defense fighters, more than 200 anti-aircraft missile divisions and 420 radio engineering units with radar stations various modifications.

As a result of the measures taken, a new organizational structure of the Air Force was created. Instead of air armies of front-line aviation, air force and air defense armies were formed, operationally subordinate to the commanders of the military districts. The Moscow Air Force and Air Defense District was created in the Western strategic direction.

In 2005–2006 Some of the military air defense formations and units equipped with S-300V anti-aircraft missile systems (ZRS) and Buk complexes were transferred to the Air Force. In April 2007, the Air Force adopted the new generation S-400 Triumph anti-aircraft missile system, designed to defeat all modern and promising aerospace attack weapons.

At the beginning of 2008, the Air Force included: an operational-strategic formation (KSpN) (formerly the Moscow Air Force and Air Defense District), 8 operational and 5 operational-tactical formations (air defense corps), 15 formations and 165 units. In 2008, the transition to the formation of a new look for the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation (including the Air Force) began. In the course of the events, the Air Force switched to a new organizational structure. Air Force and Air Defense commands were formed, subordinate to the newly created operational-strategic commands: Western (headquarters - St. Petersburg), Southern (headquarters - Rostov-on-Don), Central (headquarters - Yekaterinburg) and Eastern ( headquarters - Khabarovsk). In 2009–2010 a transition was made to a two-level (brigade-battalion) system of command and control of the Air Force. As a result, the total number of air force formations was reduced from 8 to 6, all air defense formations (4 corps and 7 air defense divisions) were reorganized into 11 aerospace defense brigades.

In December 2011, 3 brigades (4th, 5th, 6th) of the air defense forces of the operational-strategic aerospace defense command (formerly the Air Force Special Forces Command, formerly the Moscow Air Force and Air Defense District) became part of a new type of troops VS - Aerospace Defense Forces.

In 2015, the Aerospace Defense Forces were merged with the Air Force and formed a new branch of the Russian Armed Forces - the Russian Aerospace Forces.

As part of the Aerospace Forces of the Russian Federation, a new branch of troops has been organizationally allocated - the Air Defense and Missile Defense Forces (PVO-PRO Troops). The air defense and missile defense troops will be represented by air defense brigades and a missile defense formation.

As part of the further improvement of the air defense (aerospace) defense system, the development of a new generation of S-500 air defense systems is currently underway, in which it is planned to apply the principle of separately solving the problems of destroying ballistic and aerodynamic targets. The main task of the complex is to combat the combat equipment of ballistic missiles medium range, and, if necessary, with intercontinental ballistic missiles in the final section of the trajectory and, within certain limits, in the middle section.

The Day of the Country's Air Defense Forces was celebrated in the USSR and is celebrated in the Russian Armed Forces on the second Sunday in April.

Operational-strategic formations of air defense forces of the USSR and Russia

Air defense districts - associations of air defense troops, designed to protect the most important administrative, industrial centers and regions of the country, and armed forces groupings from air strikes. important military and other facilities within established boundaries. In the armed forces of the USSR, air defense districts were created after the Great Patriotic War based on air defense fronts. In 1948, the districts were reorganized into air defense districts; in 1954, air defense districts were again created.
Moscow Air Defense District (since August 20, 1954):
Moscow Air Force and Air Defense District (since 1998);
Special Forces Command (since September 1, 2002);
Joint Strategic Aerospace Defense Command (since July 1, 2009);
Air and Missile Defense Command (since December 1, 2011);
1st Air and Missile Defense Army (since 2015).
1st Air Force and Air Defense Command
2nd Air Force and Air Defense Command
3rd Air Force and Air Defense Command
4th Air Force and Air Defense Command
Baku Air Defense District - formed in 1945 on the basis of the Baku Air Defense Army, in 1948 it was transformed into a district. Since 1954 - again a district. Abolished on January 5, 1980.

Compound

The air defense forces of the Russian Armed Forces included:
management (headquarters);
Radio technical troops;
Anti-aircraft missile forces;
Fighter aircraft;
Electronic warfare forces.

The location of the Main Headquarters of the Air Defense of Russia (USSR) is the village of Zarya, near the village of Fedurnovo, Balashikha district of the Moscow region (train from Kursky station towards Petushki station), or from the Gorkovsky highway, outside the city of Balashikha and the division named after. Dzerzhinsky.

Air defense systems in service with Russian air defense forces
S-400 air defense system (Since April 2007)
S-300 air defense system (Until 2007, anti-aircraft missile system medium-range S-300P was the basis of the anti-aircraft missile forces of the Russian Air Force.)
S-350 "Vityaz" air defense system (The S-350E "Vityaz" medium-range anti-aircraft missile system will enter service with the Russian troops by 2016. New complex is intended to replace the S-300PS air defense system with V55R missiles, the service life of which ends in 2015.)
ZRPK Pantsir-S1
ZRPK "Pantsir-S2" (from June 2015 the complex will begin to be supplied to the Air Force air defense forces)

Missile defense

Anti-missile defense (BMD) is a set of measures of reconnaissance, radio engineering and fire or some other nature (aerostatic missile defense, etc.), intended for the protection (defense) of protected objects from missile weapons. Missile defense is very closely related to air defense and is often carried out by the same complexes.

The concept of “missile defense” includes protection against a missile threat of any kind and all the means that carry it out (including active protection of tanks, air defense systems fighting cruise missiles, etc.), however, at the everyday level, when talking about missile defense, they usually have type “strategic missile defense” - protection from the ballistic missile component of strategic nuclear forces(ICBMs and SLBMs).

Speaking about missile defense, we can distinguish self-defense against missiles, tactical and strategic missile defense.

Self defense against missiles

Self-defense against missiles is the minimum unit of missile defense. It provides protection from attacking missiles only for the military equipment on which it is installed. Characteristic feature self-defense systems is the placement of all missile defense systems directly on the protected equipment, and all placed systems are auxiliary (not the main functional purpose) for this equipment. Self-defense systems against missiles are cost-effective for use only on expensive types of military equipment that suffer heavy losses from missile fire. Currently, two types of self-defense systems against missiles are actively being developed: active protection systems for tanks and missile defense systems for warships.

Active protection of tanks (and other armored vehicles) is a set of measures to counter attack shells and missiles. The action of the complex can mask the protected object (for example, by releasing an aerosol cloud), or it can physically destroy the threat with a nearby detonation of an anti-shell, shrapnel, a directed blast wave, or in another way.

Active defense systems are characterized by extremely short reaction times (up to a fraction of a second), since the flight time of weapons, especially in urban combat, is very short.

An interesting feature is that to overcome the active protection systems of armored vehicles, the developers of anti-tank grenade launchers use the same strategy as the developers of intercontinental ballistic missiles to break through strategic missile defense - decoys.

Tactical missile defense

Tactical missile defense is designed to protect limited areas of territory and objects located on it (troop groups, industry and populated areas) from missile threats. The targets of such missile defense include: maneuvering (mainly high-precision aircraft) and non-maneuvering (ballistic) missiles with relatively low speeds (up to 3-5 km/s) and without means of overcoming missile defense. The reaction time of tactical missile defense systems ranges from several seconds to several minutes, depending on the type of threat. The radius of the protected area, as a rule, does not exceed several tens of kilometers. Complexes with a significantly larger radius of the protected area - up to several hundred kilometers - are often classified as strategic missile defense, although they are not capable of intercepting high-speed intercontinental ballistic missiles covered by powerful means of penetrating missile defense.

Existing tactical missile defense systems

Short range

Tunguska (only by external target designation through the external Command Post).
Thor
Pantsir-S1

Medium and long range:

Beech
S-300P all variants
S-300V all options
S-400 with any missiles

Strategic missile defense

The most complex, modernized and expensive category of missile defense systems. The task of strategic missile defense is to combat strategic missiles- their design and tactics of use specifically provide means to make interception difficult - a large number of light and heavy decoys, maneuvering warheads, as well as jamming systems, including high-altitude nuclear explosions.

Currently, only Russia and the United States have strategic missile defense systems, while the existing systems are capable of protecting only from a limited strike (a single missile), and in most cases, over a limited area. In the foreseeable future, there are no prospects for the emergence of systems capable of reliably and completely protecting the country’s territory from a massive strike by strategic missiles. However, since everything more countries have, are developing, or could potentially acquire a number of long-range missiles, the development of missile defense systems capable of effectively protecting the country's territory from a small number of missiles seems necessary.

Types of strategic missile defense

Boost-phase intercept

Takeoff interception means that the missile defense system attempts to intercept the ballistic missile immediately after launch, while it is accelerating with its engines running.

Destroying a ballistic missile on takeoff is a relatively simple task. Advantages of this method:

The missile (unlike the warheads) is large in size, clearly visible on radar, and the operation of its engine creates a powerful infrared stream that cannot be camouflaged. It is not particularly difficult to point an interceptor at such a large, visible and vulnerable target as an accelerating missile.

It is also impossible to cover an accelerating missile with decoys or dipole reflectors.

Finally, destroying a missile during takeoff results in the destruction of all its warheads along with it in one blow.

However, takeoff interception has two fundamental disadvantages:

Limited reaction time. The acceleration duration takes 60-110 seconds, and during this time the interceptor must have time to track the target and hit it.

Difficulty in deploying interceptors within range. Ballistic missiles, as a rule, are launched from deep in enemy territory and are well covered by their defense systems. Deploying interceptors close enough to engage incoming missiles is generally extremely difficult or impossible.

Based on this, space-based or mobile interceptors (deployed on ships or mobile installations). At this stage, the use of laser systems with their short response time can also be effective. Thus, the SDI system considered orbital platforms with chemical lasers and systems of thousands of tiny Diamond Pebble satellites, designed to hit take-off missiles with kinetic collision energy at orbital speeds, as means of takeoff interception.

Midcourse interception

Mid-trajectory interception means that the interception occurs outside the atmosphere, at the moment when the warheads have already separated from the missile and are flying by inertia.

Advantages:

Long interception time. The flight of warheads outside the atmosphere takes from 20 to 40 minutes, which significantly expands the ability to respond to missile defense.

Flaws:

Tracking warheads flying outside the atmosphere is difficult task, since their sizes are small and they are not sources of radiation.

High cost of interceptors.

Warheads flying outside the atmosphere can be covered with maximum effectiveness by means of penetration. It is extremely difficult to distinguish warheads flying by inertia outside the atmosphere from decoys.

Terminal phase intercept

Re-entry interception means that the missile defense system attempts to intercept the warheads during the final stage of flight - as they re-enter the atmosphere near the target.

Advantages:

Technical convenience of deploying missile defense systems on one’s own territory.

A short distance from radars to warheads, which significantly increases the effectiveness of the tracking system.

Low cost of missile defense.

Reduced effectiveness of decoys and interference during re-entry: Lighter than the warheads themselves, decoys are more decelerated by air friction. Accordingly, the selection of false targets can be performed based on the difference in braking speed.

Flaws:

Extremely limited (up to tens of seconds) interception time

Small warheads and difficulty tracking them

No redundancy: if warheads are not intercepted at this stage, no subsequent defense echelon can exist

The limited range of interception systems at the terminal stage, which allows the enemy to overcome such defenses by simply sending more missiles at the target than there are missile defenses near the target.

History of strategic missile defense

Despite great difficulties and shortcomings, in the USSR the development of missile defense systems proceeded quite systematically and systematically.

First experiments

Research into the possibility of countering ballistic missiles in the USSR began in 1945 as part of the Anti-Vow project at the Zhukovsky Air Force Academy (Georgy Mironovich Mozharovsky’s group) and at several research institutes (Pluto theme). During the creation of the Berkut air defense system (1949-1953), work was suspended, then sharply intensified.

In 1956, 2 missile defense system projects were considered:

Zonal missile defense system "Barrier" (Alexander Lvovich Mints)

In a missile-hazardous direction, three radars with antennas looking straight up were installed one after another at intervals of 100 km. The attacking warhead sequentially crossed three narrow radar beams; its trajectory was built using three notches and the point of impact was determined.

System based on three ranges “System A” (Grigory Vasilievich Kisunko)

The project was based on a complex of a heavy-duty long-range detection radar and three precision-guided radars located along the perimeter of the defended area.

The control computer continuously processed the reflected signals, aiming the anti-missile missile at the target.

The project of G.V. Kisunko was chosen for execution.

The first missile defense complex in the USSR, chief designer G. V. Kisunko. It was deployed in the period 1956-1960 at the GNIIP-10 (Sary-Shagan) training ground specially built for these purposes in the Betpak-Dala desert. Launches of ballistic missiles into the interception area were carried out from the Kapustin Yar and, later, Plesetsk test sites in a triangle with a side of 170 km, at the vertices of which (sites No. 1, No. 2, No. 3) precision guidance radars were located. Launcher The B-1000 anti-missile missile was located in the center of the triangle (site No. 6), the interception was carried out on the atmospheric section of the trajectory (altitude 25 km) on a collision course. Control was carried out by a computer center with two computers, M-40 (implementation of the automatic cycle) and M-50 (processing of system information), designed by S. A. Lebedev.

On March 4, 1961, after a number of unsuccessful attempts, the B-1000 anti-missile missile, equipped with a fragmentation warhead, destroyed the warhead of the R-12 ballistic missile with the weight equivalent of a nuclear charge. The miss was 31.2 meters to the left and 2.2 meters in height. This is the first real interception of a target by a missile defense system in world practice. Before at this moment ballistic missiles were considered absolute weapons with no countermeasures.

Subsequently, 16 more interception attempts were carried out, 11 of which were successful. Research has also been carried out on positioning and measuring satellite trajectories. The work of System “A” ended in 1962 with a series of tests K1 - K5, as a result of which 5 nuclear explosions were carried out at altitudes from 80 to 300 km and their effect on the functioning of missile defense and early warning systems was studied.

System “A” did not enter service due to low reliability and low efficiency: the system ensured the defeat of only single short- and medium-range ballistic missiles at short distances from a protected object, however, as a result of work on it, a specialized training ground was built and vast experience was accumulated, which served further development of missile defense systems in the USSR/Russia.

Missile defense systems of the Moscow industrial region

A-35

The creation began in 1958 with a resolution of the CPSU Central Committee. G.V. Kisunko was appointed chief designer. According to tactical and technical requirements, the system was supposed to provide defense of an area of ​​400 km² from an attack by Titan-2 and Minuteman-2 ICBMs. Due to the use of more advanced radars and anti-missiles with nuclear warheads, interception was carried out at a distance of 350 km in range and 350 km in altitude, guidance was carried out using a single-station method. The computer center operated on the basis of a dual-processor computer 5E92b (developed by V. S. Burtsev). Construction of A-35 facilities in the Moscow region began in 1962, but the placement on combat duty was delayed for a number of reasons:

The advanced improvement of attack weapons required a number of serious improvements.

The promotion of competing missile defense projects "Taran" by V. N. Chelomey and S-225 KB-1 led to a temporary halt in construction.

The growth of intrigue in the upper echelons of scientific and technical leadership led in 1975 to the removal of Grigory Kisunko from the post of chief designer of the A-35.

Upgraded A-35 system. Chief designer I. D. Omelchenko. Placed on combat duty on May 15, 1978 and in service until December 1990, the Danube-3U early warning radar continued to operate in the A-135 system until the early 2000s. In parallel, at the Sary-Shagan training ground, the A-35 “Aldan” firing range complex was built (site No. 52), which was used as a prototype and for training crews of the Moscow missile defense system in real combat shooting.

A-135

Further development of the missile defense system of the Moscow industrial region. General designer A. G. Basistov. Draft design in 1966, development began in 1971, construction began in 1980. Commissioned in December 1990. The Danube-3U long-range detection radar and the Don-2 multifunctional radar had phased array antennas. Two interception echelons, long-range transatmospheric and near-atmospheric with two types of interceptor missiles. A range shooting complex "Argun" was envisaged (sites No. 38 No. 51 of the Sary-Shagan training ground), but it was not completed. In accordance with the amendment to the ABM Treaty between the USA and the USSR of 1974 and the change of leadership, the Vympel Research and Production Association recognized this facility as unpromising, work on it was stopped, and the launchers were destroyed. The complex continued to function in a stripped-down version as the Argun-I measuring station until 1994.

A-235 "Samolet-M"

A promising missile defense system that will replace the A-135. The creation contract was signed in 1991. In August 2014, the start of testing missile defense systems for the A-235 complex was announced; completion of work on the project is scheduled for 2015.

Also in the USSR there were several unrealized projects of missile defense systems. The most significant of them are:

Missile defense system for the country's territory "Taran"

In 1961, on his own initiative, Chelomey proposed a system of defense for the entire territory of the USSR from a nuclear missile attack from the United States.

The project was based on interception in the middle section of the trajectory using a super-heavy anti-missile missile, which Chelomey proposed to create at the base intercontinental missile UR-100. It was assumed that the radar system deployed in the Far North would have to detect warheads approaching along transpolar trajectories and calculate approximate interception points. Then, anti-missile missiles based on the UR-100 were to be launched with inertial guidance at these design points. Precise guidance was supposed to be carried out using radar systems target designation and radio command guidance installed on anti-missile missiles. The interception was supposed to be using a 10-megaton thermonuclear warhead. According to Chelomey’s calculations, intercepting 100 Minuteman-class ICBMs would require 200 interceptor missiles.

The system was developed from 1961 to 1964, but was closed in 1964 by government decision. The reason was the rapid growth of American nuclear arsenal: From 1962 to 1965, the United States deployed eight hundred Minuteman-class ICBMs, which would have required 1,600 UR-100-based interceptor missiles to intercept them.

In addition, the system was susceptible to self-blinding effects, as numerous detonations of 10-megaton warheads in outer space would create huge clouds of radio-opaque plasma and powerful EMR, disrupting the operation of the radar, which would make subsequent interceptions extremely difficult. The enemy could easily overcome the Taran system by dividing its ICBMs into two successive waves. The system was also vulnerable to missile defense countermeasures. Finally, the frontline early warning radars, a key component of the system, were themselves extremely vulnerable to a possible pre-emptive strike that would render the entire system useless. In this regard, Vladimir Chelomey proposed using the created A-35 and S-225 as part of his “Taran” system, receiving, in the future, leadership over all anti-missile issues in the USSR. It must be said that the Taran project was considered by many to be unfinished and adventurous. Chelomey enjoyed strong support from the leadership of the USSR; the son of the General Secretary of the CPSU Central Committee, Sergei Khrushchev, worked in his design bureau; this explains the closure of the project after the dismissal of N.S. Khrushchev in 1964.

S-225

Work began in 1961. General designer A.A. Raspletin.

An air defense and missile defense complex for protecting relatively small objects from single ICBMs equipped with means of overcoming missile defense and advanced aerodynamic targets. Active development phase from 1968 to 1978.

Distinctive features were a container transportable and quickly assembled design, the use of RTN with a phased array antenna RSN-225, new high-speed short-range interception missiles PRS-1 (5YA26) from OKB Novator (designer Lyulev). 2 testing complexes were built, “Azov” (site No. 35 Sary-Shagan) and a measuring complex in Kamchatka. The first successful interception of a ballistic target (an 8K65 missile warhead) was carried out in 1984. Presumably, due to the delay in the development of the anti-missile system and insufficient RTN energy for missile defense purposes, the topic was closed. The PRS-1 missile subsequently entered the short-range interception echelon of the A-135 complex.

Today marks the centenary of the formation of the Ground Forces Air Defense Forces.

The beginning of the formation of military air defense units was the order of General Alekseev, Chief of Staff of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, dated December 13 (26), 1915, No. 368, which announced the formation of separate four-gun light batteries for firing at the air fleet. According to Order No. 50 of the Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation dated February 9, 2007, December 26 is considered the date of creation of military air defense.

1. Launcher 9A83 S-300V air defense system - long-range universal anti-aircraft system SV air defense with theater missile defense capability

On August 16, 1958, by order (No. 0069) of the USSR Minister of Defense, Marshal of the Soviet Union R. Ya. Malinovsky, the Air Defense Forces of the Ground Forces were created - a branch of the military that became an integral part of the Ground Forces.


2. War vehicles The Tor-M2U air defense system provides multi-channel fire at air targets, including high-tech weapons elements

In 1997, in order to improve the leadership of air defense troops, the air defense forces of the Ground Forces, formations, military units and air defense units of the Coastal Forces of the Navy, military units and air defense units of the Airborne Forces, as well as formations and military units of the air defense reserve of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief were united into military air defense forces Armed Forces of the Russian Federation.


3. ZRPK "Tunguska-M1" ensures the destruction of air and ground targets in the near zone

Air Defense Forces of the Ground Forces (Air Defense Forces) - a branch of the Ground Forces of the Russian Federation, designed to cover troops and objects from the actions of enemy air attack weapons when combined-arms formations and formations conduct operations (combat operations), perform regroupings (march) and are positioned on the spot . It is necessary to distinguish the Military Air Defense from the Air Defense Forces (aerospace defense brigades) of the Air Force and Air Defense Forces, which until 1998 were part of an independent branch of the Armed Forces - the country's Air Defense Forces (USSR Air Defense and Russian Air Defense).

The Air Defense Forces of the Ground Forces are entrusted with the following main tasks:

• carrying out combat duty in air defense;


• conducting reconnaissance of enemy air and alerting covered troops;


• destruction of enemy air attack weapons in flight;


• participation in the conduct of missile defense in theaters of military operations.