"Have no equal": how Russia creates unique air defense systems. The best air defense and pro systems Modern air defense systems

System S-300 "Favorite".
Photo courtesy of Almaz-Antey Air Defense Concern

Well-known in expert circles, the analytical center Air Power Australia in early February presented an in-depth study on the combat capabilities of modern military aviation and current means air defense. Based on the American "air sword" and the Russian "shield".

ETERNAL COMPETITION

The choice of hypothetical opponents seems to be non-random. USA has the highest potential air force and, in addition, they hold the lead in the supply of aviation military equipment abroad. Russia is the leader in the production and export of air defense equipment. Suffice it to say that only one of its air defense concerns, Almaz-Antey, supplies products manufactured at its enterprises to more than fifty countries of the world (see map).

The arms market itself suggests who is the leader in what area. There is no need for experts who, for various reasons, are inclined to subjective assessments. For in the market they vote with funds from budgetary appropriations. Thousands and thousands of specialists, officials, and high-ranking military personnel are involved in operations to determine the best and most advantageous "cost-effectiveness" ratio of a particular type of weapon. Subjectivism is kept to a minimum.

In fact, Russian air defense systems are classified as a premium class. This assessment of researchers from Air Power Australia is supported by their high combat reliability, destruction efficiency and relatively low price by the standards of the arms market. For example, Americans of this class have systems that are much more expensive, despite the fact that the same reliability, efficiency and combat capabilities of their products are much lower than Russian ones.

The conclusion of foreign experts is interesting: modern Russian anti-aircraft missile systems and radar systems have reached a level that virtually excludes the possibility of the survival of US combat aircraft in the event of a military clash.

According to an Australian study, not only the American F-15, F-16 and F / A-18 aircraft, but even the promising fifth-generation Joint Strike Fighter, also known as the F-35 Lightning II, are not capable of resisting Russian air defense. And in order to achieve superiority, which military aviation The United States had at the end of the Cold War, the Pentagon needed to put into service at least 400 more F-22 Raptor aircraft. Otherwise, American aviation will finally lose its strategic superiority over Russian air defense.

According to analysts, this circumstance may also affect the position of the United States in the world. Countries such as China, Iran and Venezuela will be well aware that the Americans will not go to an open military confrontation, realizing that as a result of this, the US Air Force and Navy will lose hundreds of combat aircraft and pilots. That is, the United States military is at risk of unacceptable damage. Of course, unacceptable, from the point of view of American politicians, whose career in such a development of events will end in national disgrace.

Air Power Australia recalls that its expert Dr. Carlo Call, who defended his thesis in the field of radar engineering, compared the capabilities of modern Russian anti-aircraft missile systems and American F-35 fighters and concluded that these aircraft would be easy targets. The manufacturer of the latest winged vehicles, the American corporation Lockheed Martin, has never tried to publicly challenge the expert's statement.

The researchers also concluded that since the end of the Cold War, Russian designers have managed to achieve significant results in the modernization of air defense systems. Moreover, the opportunity to comprehensively and objectively assess the potential of a potential adversary for Russian engineers and scientists appeared due to military conflicts in Iran in 1991 and in Serbia in 1999. This process, as noted in the report, is in many ways reminiscent of chess game. As a result, the Russians were able to figure out how to checkmate American combat aircraft.

Comparing Opportunities modern systems Air defense and aircraft, analysts also note that the Russian S-400 Triumph anti-aircraft missile system, produced by the enterprises of the Almaz-Antey air defense concern and already adopted by the Russian army, today has virtually no analogues in the world. The technical capabilities of the Triumph are significantly higher than those of the American Patriot, and are twice as superior in terms of combat performance as the well-known predecessor of the S-400, the S-300 Favorit system, which was supplied to China, Slovakia, Vietnam and Cyprus. In the future, "Triumph" may become a pivotal project in the military-technical cooperation of the Russian Federation with the Arab countries, in particular with the Arab Emirates.

And what is characteristic, the study emphasizes, is that Russia is building a deeply echeloned air defense system. If the complexes S-300 and S-400 are long-range, then they tenaciously interact with complexes of small and medium range. They complement each other and at the same time insure, creating an insurmountable and solid wall for the air aggressor. Anti-aircraft missile systems of small and medium ranges of the "Tor", "Buk", "Tunguska" types were supplied, in particular, to China, Iran, India, Greece, Syria, Egypt, Finland, Morocco.

In addition to traditional customers of Russian military products, countries such as Singapore and Brazil, which have purchased man-portable air defense systems, are also interested in domestic air defense systems.

Russia's positions are also very strong in the market for sea-based anti-aircraft missile systems. For example, air defense systems "Shtil", "Reef", "Blade" are successfully operated on warships.

FROM AIR DEFENSE TO PRO

Anti-aircraft missile systems of the S-300 family are considered one of the most powerful air defense systems in the world. The development of this system began in the 1960s, when the USSR Armed Forces demanded the creation of a mobile multi-channel medium-range air defense system capable of protecting the country's sky from massive air raids by modern aviation using guided weapons.

Tests of the future S-300 took place in the 1970s. In order to misinform a potential adversary, according to the documents, the new air defense system was passed as the S-75M6 - another modernization of the “veteran” complex, widely known by that time all over the world, which had entered the combat duty back in the late 1950s. The terms of reference provided for the development of three versions of the air defense system - S-300P for air defense, S-300V - for ground forces and S-300F - a ship-based complex for the Navy.

The systems for the air defense forces and for the fleet were mainly focused on destroying aircraft and cruise missiles, the military complex had to have greater capabilities to intercept ballistic targets in order to provide missile defense. Today, the S-300 systems form the basis of the air defense of our country and the Russian Ground Forces, and are also successfully sold on the world market.

On the basis of the S-300 air defense system, the latest S-400 system has been developed, capable of firing both new missiles and using the ammunition of its predecessor. The S-400 air defense system has the combat capabilities, mobility and noise immunity of the latest versions of the S-300 complex, combined with a longer firing range.

The S-400 system is designed to destroy all types of aircraft aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles and cruise missiles. An important difference between the S-400 and the S-300 is the new anti-aircraft missiles with active homing heads and increased firing range. "Triumph" is capable of destroying a target at a distance of up to 400 km and at an altitude of 30 km. These indicators make it possible to consider the complex not only as an air defense weapon, but also partially as an anti-missile weapon.

The Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Air Force, Colonel General Alexander Zelin, reveals the secrets of the S-400 Triumph complex: it can hit "a super-maneuverable small target with an effective reflective surface, which a five-ruble coin has." He is able to cope with air targets that are made using stealth technology, that is, stealth aircraft with a low effective reflective surface.

The Commander-in-Chief of the Air Force is extremely proud that the new generation S-400 anti-aircraft missile system is supposed to be used to ensure the safety of participants and guests of the 2014 Winter Olympics. “Builders will build facilities in Sochi for the Olympics, and we will prepare an air defense system that will ensure the reliable holding of the Olympic Games,” the general said in a recent interview.

Of course, reliable protection of both the people who arrived at the Olympics and the people of Sochi themselves is the most important thing, no one is going to argue about the need for this. And the margin of safety here does not hurt. Moreover, in the immediate vicinity is Georgia, against which Russian troops not so long ago waged fighting. And the frenzy of anti-Russian sentiments has not yet disappeared there.

However, life does not stand still. Two years ago, the Military-Industrial Commission under the Government of the Russian Federation set the task, in particular, for the Almaz-Antey Air Defense Concern to develop a promising anti-aircraft weapon - missile defense for the fifth generation. Its distinctive feature will be that fire, information and command systems and complexes will merge together.

This is the next step in the fight for clear and peaceful skies. The Russian backlog is high, but the closest competitor - the United States - also does not want to see itself as an outsider. The competition between technical schools and simply military potentials is intensifying.

Air defense is a special set of measures that are aimed at repelling any air threat. As a rule, this is an air attack of the enemy. The Russian air defense system is divided into the following types:

• Military air defense. This is a special kind of NE of Russia. The air defense troops of the Russian ground forces are the most numerous type of air defense in Russia;
• Objective air defense, which since 1998 became part of the Russian Air Force, and since 2009-2010 are aerospace defense brigades;
• Shipborne air defense or air defense system of the navy. Air defense missiles, which are armed with ship-based air defense systems (for example, the Storm air defense system), are capable of not only protecting ships from enemy air attacks, but also hitting surface ships.

Air Defense Day was introduced in the USSR on February 20, 1975, as a special holiday for the military, who were related to the country's air defense. Then the day of air defense was celebrated on April 11. Since 1980, Air Defense Day in the USSR has been celebrated every second Sunday in April.

In 2006, by a special Decree of the President of the Russian Federation of May 31, Air Defense Day was officially declared a memorable day. The holiday is also celebrated every second Sunday in April.

The history of the emergence of air defense forces in Russia

The need for the appearance of anti-aircraft artillery was recognized at the end of the 19th century. In 1891, the first firing at air targets took place, which were used as balloons and balloons. Artillery showed that it could quite successfully deal with stationary air targets, although firing at moving targets was unsuccessful.

In 1908-1909, experimental firing at moving targets took place, as a result of which it was decided that in order to successfully combat aviation, it was necessary to create a special gun designed to fire at moving air targets.

In 1914, the Putilov Plant manufactured four 76 mm guns, which were intended to fight enemy aircraft. These guns were moved on special trucks. Despite this, before the start of the First World War, Russia was completely unprepared to fight with air enemy. Already in the autumn of 1914, the command had to urgently form special artillery units, whose main task was to fight enemy aircraft.

In the USSR, the first air defense units, consisting of searchlight companies and machine gun installations, took part for the first time in a military parade on May 1, 1929. By the parade of 1930, the air defense troops were replenished with anti-aircraft artillery, which moved in cars:

• Anti-aircraft guns of 76 mm caliber;
• Machine gun installations;
• Projector installations;
• Soundproof installations.

Air Defense Forces during World War II

The Second World War demonstrated how important aviation is. The ability to deliver swift air strikes has become one of the keys to the success of military operations. The state of the USSR air defense before the start of the Second World War was far from perfect and was completely unsuitable for repelling massive German air raids. Although before the start of the Second World War, the Soviet command devoted a lot of time and money to the development of air defense systems, these troops were completely unprepared to repel modern German aircraft.

The entire first half of the Second World War is characterized by huge losses Soviet troops precisely because of enemy air raids. The ground forces of the USSR did not have the necessary air defense system at all. The defense of the corps from air attacks was carried out by the regular number of air defense systems, which were represented by the following fire weapons per 1 km of the front:

• 2 anti-aircraft guns;
• 1 heavy machine gun;
• 3 anti-aircraft quadruple installations.

In addition to the fact that these guns were clearly not enough, there was a huge need for fighter aircraft at the front. The air surveillance, warning and communications system was in its infancy, and did not cope with the tasks assigned to them at all. For a long time the troops did not even have their own means of this type. To carry out these functions, it was planned to strengthen the army with VNOS radio companies. These companies did not at all correspond to the technical development of German aviation, since they could only detect enemy aircraft visually. Such detection was possible only at a distance of 10-12 km, and modern German aircraft covered such a distance in 1-2 minutes.

The domestic theory of the development of air defense troops before the start of the Second World War did not make any serious emphasis on the development of this group of troops. Based on the dogmas of this theory, the air defense forces, no matter how highly developed they are, are not able to provide full protection of the front from enemy air raids. In any case, small groups of the enemy will still be able to fly and destroy the target. That is why the command of the USSR did not pay serious attention to the air defense forces, and the construction of air defense was based on the fact that air defense systems would distract the enemy, enabling aviation to join the battle.

In any case, the fighter aviation of the USSR in the first years of the war was not able to give any serious rebuff to enemy aircraft, which is why German pilots in those years staged a real entertaining "hunt" for ground targets.

Realizing their mistakes, the Soviet command concentrated its efforts on the development of air defense systems, placing special emphasis on improving fighter aircraft and anti-aircraft artillery.

The development of air defense after the end of the Second World War

In 1946, a new era began in the development of the air defense forces - a new department was created, whose task was to test anti-aircraft missiles. During the 1947-1950s, this department, which was located at the Kapustin Yar training ground, tested German anti-aircraft missiles, while supervising the development of anti-aircraft missiles Soviet-made. Until 1957, this committee was engaged in testing domestically developed anti-aircraft unguided missiles.

In 1951, tests of anti-aircraft missiles became so large-scale that it was necessary to create a special range for testing anti-aircraft missiles. This test site was formed on June 6, 1951. Rocket testers from all over the country were sent to this test site as personnel.

First launch of managed anti-aircraft missile took place at this training ground in 1951. In 1955, the first in the USSR anti-aircraft missile system S-25 "Berkut" was adopted by the Air Defense Forces, which remained in service until the 90s.

In the period from 1957 to 1961, a new S-75 mobile anti-aircraft missile system was developed and put into service. This air defense system for 30 years remained the main weapon of the Soviet air defense forces. In the future, the S-75 air defense system received many modifications and was supplied as military assistance to friendly countries. It was the S-75 anti-aircraft missile system that shot down the American U-2 aircraft in 1960 near Sverdlovsk. During Vietnam War The S-75 air defense system, which was supplied as military aid to Vietnam, shot down many American aircraft. According to the most rough estimates, this air defense system destroyed more than 1,300 units of American aircraft of various systems.

In 1961, the new S-125 short-range anti-aircraft missile system was adopted. This air defense system proved to be so effective that it is still in service with Russian air defense. During the Arab-Israeli wars, the S-125 complex was able to destroy several dozen supersonic aircraft belonging to the United States and Israel.

The Great Patriotic War showed that air defense systems have great prospects. The development of air defense in the second half of the 20th century was carried out in the right direction, which was repeatedly proved in the course of numerous Arab-Israeli conflicts. The tactics of using air defense systems were now based on completely different principles. New air defense systems had the following characteristics:

• Mobility of anti-aircraft missile systems;
• The suddenness of their use, for which they carefully disguised themselves;
• General survivability and maintainability of air defense systems.

To date, the basis of the anti-aircraft weapons of the Ground Forces Russian Federation are the following complexes and systems:

• S-300V. This system capable of effectively protecting troops not only from enemy aircraft, but also from ballistic missiles. This system could fire two types of missiles, one of which was ground-to-ground;
• "Buk-M1". This complex was developed in the 90s, and it was put into service in 1998;
• "Tor-M1". This system is able to independently control the designated airspace;
• OSA-AKM. This SAM system is very mobile;
• "Tunguska-M1", which was put into service in 2003.

All these systems are developments of well-known Russian designers and not only incorporate all best qualities of their predecessors, but also equipped with modern electronics. These complexes effectively protect troops from all types of air attacks, thereby providing reliable cover for the army.

At various military exhibitions, domestic anti-aircraft missile systems not only are not inferior to foreign counterparts, but also surpass them in a number of parameters, ranging from range to power.

The main prospects for the modern development of the Air Defense Forces of the Ground Forces

The main areas in which the development of modern air defense forces is directed are:

• Change and reorganization of all structures, one way or another connected with air defense. The main task of the reorganization is the maximum use of all resources and combat power missile weapons which is currently in service. Another task of paramount importance is to establish the maximum interaction of the air defense forces with other groups of troops of the Russian army;
• Development of a new generation of weapons and military equipment that will be able to fight not only existing means of air attack, but also the latest developments in the field of hypersonic technologies;
• Change and improvement of the personnel training system. Special attention should be given to changing the training program, because it has not changed for many years, although new air defense systems have long been adopted.

The priority is still the planned development of the latest air defense models, the modernization of older models and the complete replacement of obsolete air defense systems. In general, the modern air defense system is developing in accordance with the words of the famous Marshal Zhukov, who said that only a powerful system military air defense capable of repelling sudden enemy attacks, thereby enabling the Armed Forces to engage in a full-scale battle.

Modern air defense systems and air defense systems in the Russian air defense forces

One of the main air defense systems that are in service with the air defense forces is the S-300V system. This system is capable of hitting air targets at a distance of up to 100 km. Already in 2014, the S-300V air defense systems began to be gradually replaced by a new system, which was called the S-300V4. The new system has been improved in all respects, it is an improved modification of the S-300V, differing from it in an increased range, a more reliable design, which is distinguished by improved protection against radio interference. The new system is able to deal more effectively with all types of air targets that appear within its range.

The next most popular complex is the Buk air defense system. Since 2008, a modification of the complex, called the Buk-M2, has been in service with the air defense forces. This air defense system can simultaneously hit up to 24 targets, and the range of hitting targets reaches 200 km. Since 2016, the Buk-M3 complex has been adopted, which is a model made on the basis of the Buk-M2 and seriously modified.

Another popular air defense system is the TOR complex. In 2011, a new modification of the air defense system, called the TOR-M2U, began to enter service. This modification has the following differences from the base model:

• She can conduct reconnaissance on the move;
• Fire at 4 air targets at once, thereby providing an all-round defeat.

The latest modification is called "Tor-2". Unlike previous models of the TOR family, this modification has a 2-fold increase in ammunition and is capable of firing on the move, ensuring the complete safety of troops on the march.

In addition, Russian air defense systems also have man-portable anti-aircraft missile systems. The ease of training and use of this type of weapon makes it a serious problem for enemy air forces. Since 2014, new MANPADS "Verba" began to enter the air defense units of the Ground Forces. Their use is justified when you have to operate in conditions of powerful optical interference, which hinder the operation of powerful automatic air defense systems.

At present, the share of modern air defense systems in the air defense forces is about 40 percent. The latest Russian air defense systems have no analogues in the world, and are capable of providing complete protection against sudden air attacks.

The possible deployment of US anti-missile defense (ABM) elements in Europe is one of the reasons for the frequently asked question today, what can Russia oppose to these plans and what domestic means can be used to combat an air enemy? And if the first part of this issue has already been widely covered in print media, on the air and on television, then its second half should be considered in more detail.

The missile defense and air defense (AD) systems are designed to combat various types of aerospace attack weapons (AAS) by destroying: the first - land-based and sea-based intercontinental ballistic missiles (BR), the second - aircraft, helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles, including .h. BR and cruise missiles for tactical and operational-tactical purposes.

The Second World War showed that a reliable air defense system is one of the main indicators of the combat capability of any state. Underestimation of this in 1939-1940. led to the dominance of German aviation in the air and heavy losses of the Red Army at the beginning of the Great Patriotic War. In a letter to President T. Roosevelt, written during the Battle of Stalingrad in 1942, I. Stalin noted: "The practice of war has shown that the bravest troops become helpless if they are not protected from air strikes." As a result measures taken air defense systems of the Red Army troops by the end of the war destroyed 20 thousand aircraft, over 1000 tanks, self-propelled guns and armored personnel carriers, tens of thousands of enemy soldiers and officers.

As one of the results of the war, the outstanding commander G.K. Zhukov noted that "Grievous grief awaits the country that will be unable to repel an enemy air strike." This is also confirmed by E. Lampe (Chairman of the Federal Directorate of the Local Air Defense System of the FRG until 1956) in the book "Civil Defense Strategy" with the words "Of course, you cannot win a war with the help of air defense, but without air defense you will surely lose it."

These statements confirmed the post-war local wars and armed conflicts, in which the results of the confrontation between the SVKN and air defense systems determined, as a rule, the final outcome of military operations.

Yes, significant losses. American aviation in Vietnam (at least 1294 aircraft during the period from August 1964 to February 1973) led to the inglorious end of this war for the United States and the emergence of a long-term "Vietnamese syndrome". And vice versa, the inability of the air defense systems of Iraq and Yugoslavia to withstand modern air defense systems was one of the main reasons for their defeat in the local wars of 1991, 1993. and 1999 respectively.

To maximize the possibilities Russian funds Air defense in the new conditions, the concept of aerospace defense (aerospace defense) of Russia (signed by the President of the Russian Federation in 2006) was developed, which is based on air defense (air defense) and missile and space (RKO) defense systems, as well as electronic warfare (EW).

The air defense system, which is the basis of the Russian Aerospace Defense, in Peaceful time part of the forces and means is on combat duty in order to repel sudden attacks by the enemy's airborne command and control system on important objects of military-state importance. With the beginning and in the course of hostilities, all air defense forces and means are transferred to full combat readiness and, together with other branches and branches of the armed forces, fight the air enemy in full. Today, anti-aircraft missile troops (ZRV) of the Russian Air Force, military air defense troops and naval air defense systems of the fleet can be involved in the fight against it.

Today, the Russian Air Force is armed with anti-aircraft missile systems (SAM) and systems (SAM) of various ranges (such as S-75, S-125, S-200 and S-300), which have repeatedly proven their combat effectiveness.

SAM S-75 "Volga"medium-range - the first air defense system of the former USSR. Among his first victories - the defeat of the Taiwanese reconnaissance aircraft RB-57D in the Beijing area (10/7/1959), American reconnaissance aircraft U-2 "Lockheed" near Sverdlovsk (05/01/1961), in China (September 1962 .) and over Cuba (27.10.1962). Many of the about 500 air defense systems delivered to the armies of 27 foreign countries were actively used in combat operations in the Middle East, in South-East Asia and the Persian Gulf zone, as well as in the Balkans. In addition to impressive results in Vietnam, this air defense system shot down several aircraft in the Indo-Pakistani conflicts, a US reconnaissance RB-57F over the Black Sea (December 1965) and more than 25 aircraft during the Arab-Israeli wars. It was used in combat operations in Libya (1986), Angola against South Africa, in Iraq, to ​​fight SR-71 reconnaissance aircraft over North Korea and Cuba.

ZRK S-125 "Pechora"short range was created to deal with low-flying air targets. About 530 air defense systems delivered to 35 foreign countries and used in a number of armed conflicts and local wars demonstrated high operational reliability and efficiency. The combat "baptism" of the S-125 air defense system took place in 1970 on the Sinai Peninsula, where eight Israeli aircraft were shot down and three Israeli aircraft were damaged by this complex in anti-aircraft battles. S-125 anti-aircraft missile systems were used by Iraq in the war with Iran (1980-1988) and in 1991 to repel air strikes of the multinational forces, by Syria - in battles with the Israelis during the Lebanese crisis of 1982, by Libya - to fire at aircraft The United States in the Gulf of Sidra (1986), Yugoslavia - against NATO aircraft in 1999 (according to Yugoslav data, it was they who shot down the F-117A stealth aircraft, and the second one was damaged).

Long-range designed to destroy aircraft at ranges and altitudes of more than 100 km and up to 40 km, respectively. It was delivered to the countries of Eastern Europe, North Korea, Libya, Syria, Iran. After the destruction of the Israeli aircraft E-2C "Hawkeye" at a distance of 180 km (Syria, 1982), the American aircraft carrier fleet withdrew from the coast of Lebanon. In April 1986, Libyan S-200 systems shot down three A-6 and A-7 carrier-based attack aircraft from the US 6th Fleet. Despite the US denial, the fact of their defeat is confirmed by the data of objective control and the calculations of Soviet specialists.

ZRS S-300medium-range and long-range, depending on the modification, is designed to combat various types of manned and unmanned airborne weapons, incl. and cruise missiles. For a long time, the S-300 is on combat duty and covers Moscow, the Moscow industrial and other important regions of Russia. Its latest modification, the S-300PMU2 "Favorit", which has been repeatedly demonstrated at many exhibitions of modern weapons, is highly appreciated abroad and purchased by China, Vietnam and other countries.

Long-range - further development of the S-300 air defense system. It is capable of hitting all types of manned and unmanned aerial targets at ranges up to 400 km, as well as ballistic missiles with a launch range of up to 3,500 km, hypersonic and other modern and advanced air attack weapons. The S-400 system, according to the test results of the end of 2006, was determined as the basic air defense system for all types of the RF Armed Forces and will go into service with the Russian army. In cooperation with the space forces, this air defense system, as well as the S-300PMU2, is planned to be used to combat ballistic targets and conduct non-strategic missile defense in the interests of the country and its armed forces.

Anti-aircraft missile and gun complex (ZRPK) "Pantsir-S1" short-range is designed to defend small-sized objects of military-state importance in any weather, climate and radio-electronic conditions day and night. Its combat capabilities provide effective fight with any type of aircraft, helicopters, including missile launchers and airborne high-precision weapons. At present, the air defense missile system has passed state tests and contracts have been signed with the UAE and Syria for its supply.

The main characteristics of air defense systems and air defense systems ZRV Air Force

Main characteristics	S-300PMU-2 "Favorite"	S-200 "Vega"	S-125 "Pechora"	S-75 "Volga"	"Pantsir-S1"
D hit, km H hit., km V targets, m/s R defeat. myself. R defeat. BR R defeat. KR	3-200 0,01-27 up to 2800 0,8-0,95 0,8-0,97 up to 0.95	17-300 0,3-40 over 1200 0,7-0,99	2,5-22 0,02-14 up to 560 0,4-0,7 up to 0.3	7-43 3-30 up to 450 0,6-0,8	1-20 0,005-15 up to 1000 0,6-0,9 up to 0.9

Troops of the military air defense solve a set of tasks to repel sudden air strikes, carry out combat duty and timely build up efforts in peacetime, and in wartime, together with the Air Force and other means, cover groupings of troops and their facilities from enemy air strikes when located on the spot , when moving, with the beginning and during hostilities. This branch of service, which is based on the air defense forces of the Ground Forces, includes the air defense forces and means of the coastal troops of the Navy and the Airborne Forces.

Today, the military air defense forces are armed mainly with self-propelled air defense systems "Osa-AKM", "Strela-10" and "Buk", air defense systems S-300V and "Tor", air defense missile systems "Tunguska", as well as portable air defense systems of the "Igla" type and their modifications. A number of these weapons have been put into service with many foreign countries and have proven their effectiveness in combat operations.

The main characteristics of air defense systems and air defense systems of military air defense troops

Main characteristics	SAM "Osa-AKM"	SAM "Arrow-10"	SAM "Buk-M1"	ZRS S-300V	ZRS "Thor"	ZPRK "Tunguska"	MANPADS "Needle"
D hit, km H hit., km V targets, m/s R defeat. myself. R defeat. BR R defeat. KR	1,5-10 0,025-6 up to 500 0,5-0,85 0,2-0,5	0,8-5 0,01-3,5 up to 415 0,3-06 0,1-0,4	3-35 0,015-22 up to 830 0,8-0,95 0,4-0,6	up to 100 0,025-30 up to 3000 0,7-0,9 0,4-0,65 0,5-0,7	1-12 0,01-6 up to 700 0,45-0,8 0,5-0,99	2,5-8 0,015-4 up to 500 0,45-0,7 0,24-0,5	0,5-5,2 0,01-3,5 up to 400 0,4-0,6 0,2-0,3

At international exhibitions of modern weapons, domestic air defense systems and air defense systems of military air defense have repeatedly demonstrated their high performance and confidently compete with foreign weapons, and such as the Tor-M1 air defense system and the Buk-M1 air defense system have no analogues in the world. A further increase in the combat potential of the military air defense is planned to be carried out by equipping it with new anti-aircraft systems.

Medium-range is an air defense system of the army (corps) level. Modernization and transfer to a modern element base increased the range (from 32 to 45 km), height (from 22 to 25 km) and speed (from 830 to 1100 m / s) of the targets hit. At the same time, the number of target channels in the anti-aircraft division increased from 6 to 24.

SAM "Buk-M3"- further development of the complex and can be put into service in 2009 as a single complex of military air defense of the army level. New technologies and developments are used to effectively counter possible threats from the air in the next 12-15 years. The Buk-M3 is expected to be capable of hitting air targets operating at speeds up to 3,000 m/s at ranges of 2.5-70 km and altitudes of 0.015-35 km. The anti-aircraft division will have 36 target channels.

A short-range divisional level, with the size of the kill zone, fire performance and ammunition load 2 times higher than those of the Tor and Tor-M1 air defense systems, may enter service in 2008. The characteristics of the new air defense system, presumably, will ensure the defeat of targets, incl. and aviation WTO operating at speeds up to 900 m/s at a distance of 1-20 km and altitudes of 0.01-10 km. One combat vehicle can simultaneously fire up to 4 targets.

In 2008, it is planned to adopt a self-propelled ("Ledum rosemary") and a portable ("Verba") short-range air defense system of the regimental level.

SAM "Ledum"will go to replace the Strela-10 air defense system. Its missile with a laser guidance system will be capable, presumably, of hitting targets operating at speeds up to 700 m/s in the range of ranges and altitudes of 1-10 km and 0.01-5 km, respectively.

MANPADS "Verba", whose missile is equipped with a 3-band optical homing head on the target, should replace its predecessors such as Strela-2 and Igla MANPADS of all modifications. In contrast, the indicators of the new complex in terms of range (0.5-6.4 km), altitude (0.01-4.5 km) and speed (up to 500 m / s) are increased by 20%, 30% and 20% respectively. The reaction time of MANPADS does not exceed 8 s, and the mass of the warhead is increased by 20% and amounts to 1.5 kg.

In order to increase combat capabilities and extend the service life, the existing military air defense systems, as well as the air defense systems of the Air Force, are being modernized.

So, as a result of a complex of works for 12-15 years, the service life of more than 450 BM can be extended. "Osa-AKM" 1976-1986 release, one of the most massive military complex. At the same time, its noise immunity will be increased and the process of combat work will be automated. It is planned that about 100 modernized BM "Osa-AKM" can enter the troops in 2009.

It should be noted that a large modernization potential is feature of all domestic air defense systems, air defense systems and is of considerable interest from foreign owners and potential buyers of our air defense systems.

Shipborne air defense systems, as a rule, unified with ground-based air defense systems and missile air defense systems, can also be involved in combating an air enemy in coastal areas."Osa-M"

"Hurricane"

"Fort"

"Dagger"

"Dirk"

D hit, km

H hit., km

V targets, m/s

R defeat. myself.

Ground equivalent

1,2-10

0,025-5

up to 600

0,35-0,85

"Wasp"

3,5-25

0,01-15

up to 830

up to 0.8

"Beech"

5-90

0,025-25

up to 1300

0,7-0,9

S-300P

1,5-12

0,01-6

up to 700

0,7-0,8

"Thor"

0,005-3,5

up to 500

0,7-0,8

"Tunguska"

The reform of the RF Armed Forces to a certain extent had a negative impact on the state of the air defense system as a whole.

Thus, the number of assets capable of covering objects of special importance with the required efficiency has noticeably decreased in the composition of the Air Force ZRV. This disadvantage is supposed to be eliminated by accelerated rearmament with new equipment, modernization of the S-300PM with the aim of using it to combat non-strategic ballistic missiles, transferring military air defense formations equipped with S-300V air defense systems to the ZRV.

To maintain the combat potential of military air defense, the existing army (corps), divisional and regimental sets of air defense systems should be preserved with active re-equipment with new equipment and improvement of the organizational structure. The presence in their composition of means of various ranges will ensure the creation of a layered air defense system of troops capable of combating modern types air targets, incl. OTP, TR and aviation precision weapons.

Thus, in the context of a continuous increase in the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the air defense systems, a similar approach should be taken to the means of combating them, considering the presence of an air defense system as one of the main factors in the combat capability of the state, ensuring its national independence.

1. Introduction

The purpose of this work is to study the history of the development of air defense forces in the USSR and Russia in the period from the 50s of the XX century to the present. The relevance of the topic is emphasized by the fact that as a result of modern scientific and technological progress, military science is increasingly paying attention to technologies related to air defense in order to reliably protect Russia's air borders and counter the "global" attack planned by NATO.

Unfortunately, along with brilliant ideas that make life easier for a person and give him new opportunities, there are ideas no less brilliant, but representing a destructive force and a threat to humanity. A number of states now have a multitude of space satellites, aircraft, intercontinental ballistic missiles, and nuclear warheads.

With the advent of new military technologies and formidable forces, forces opposing them always arise on their basis, as a result, new means of air defense (air defense) and anti-missile defense (ABM) appear.

We are interested in the development and experience of using the first air defense systems, starting from the s-25 (adopted into service in 1955), to new modern systems. Also of interest are the possibilities of other countries in the development and use of air defense systems, and the general prospects for the development of air defense systems. main task we put in determining how Russia is protected from potential military threats from the air. Air superiority and long-range strikes have always been the focus of the opposing sides in any conflict, even a potential one. It is important for us to understand the capabilities of our country in ensuring air security, because the presence of powerful and modern air defense systems guarantees security not only for us, but for the whole world. The weapons of deterrence in the 21st century are by no means limited to the nuclear shield.

2. The history of the emergence of air defense forces

The phrase comes to mind: "A wise man prepares for war in peacetime" - Horace.

Everything in our world appears for some reason and with a specific purpose. The emergence of air defense forces is no exception. Their formation was due to the fact that in many countries the first aircraft and military aviation began to appear. At the same time, the development of weapons to combat the enemy in the air began.

In 1914, the very first air defense weapon, a submachine gun, was manufactured at the Putilov factory in St. Petersburg. It was used in the defense of Petrograd against German air raids during the First World War at the end of 1914.

Each state strives to win the war and Germany is no exception, its new JU 88 V-5 bombers from September 1939 began to fly at altitudes reaching 5000 meters, which brought them out of the reach of the first air defense guns, which required modernization of weapons and new ideas for its development.

It should be noted that the arms race in the 20th century was a powerful engine for the development of weapons systems and military equipment. During the Cold War, the first anti-aircraft missile stations (SAM) and anti-aircraft missile systems (SAM) were developed. In our country, a great contribution to the creation and development of new air defense systems was made by the design engineer Veniamin Pavlovich Efremov, who took part in the development of the S-25Yu radar system, where he showed his talent. He took part in the development of the Tor, S-300V, Buk air defense systems and all their subsequent upgrades.

3. S-25 "Berkut"

3.1 History of creation

After the Second World War, military aviation switched to the use of jet engines, flight speeds and altitudes increased significantly, outdated anti-aircraft artillery could no longer provide reliable cover in the air, their combat effectiveness. So there was a need for new air defense systems.

On August 9, 1950, a resolution was adopted by the Council of Ministers of the USSR on the creation of an air defense missile system controlled by a radar network. Organizational work on this issue was entrusted to the Third Main Directorate under the Council of Ministers of the USSR, personally supervised by L.P. Beria.

The development of the Berkut system was carried out by KB-1 (design bureau), and now OJSC GSKB of the Almaz-Antey Air Defense Concern, headed by K.M. .Beria, who was the chief designer together with P.N. Kuksenko. At the same time, V-300 missiles were developed for this complex.

According to the plan of the military strategists of the USSR, it was supposed to place two rings of radar detection around Moscow at a distance of 25-30 and 200-250 km from the city. The Kama stations were to become the main control stations. The B-200 stations were also developed to control missile launches.

It was planned to include in the Berkut complex not only a missile resource, but also interceptor aircraft based on Tu-4 bombers. This plan was not carried out. "Berkut" after rigorous testing was adopted on May 7, 1955.

The main performance characteristics (TTX) of this system:

1) hitting a target with a speed of up to 1500 km / h;

2) target height 5-20 km;

3) distance to the target up to 35 km;

4) the number of hit targets - 20;

5) the shelf life of missiles in the warehouse is 2.5 years, on the launcher 6 months.

For the 50s of the twentieth century, this system was the most advanced, designed using the most advanced technologies. It was a real breakthrough! Not a single anti-aircraft missile system of that time had such broad capabilities for detecting and hitting targets. Multi-channel radar stations were a novelty, because. Until the end of the 1960s, there were no analogues of such systems in the world. The Soviet scientist, designer Efremov Veniamin Pavlovich participated in the development of radar stations.

However, such a perfect air defense system of that time had a colossal cost and high maintenance costs. It was advisable to use it only to cover especially important objects; it was not possible to cover the entire territory with it. The air defense plan provided for covering the area around Leningrad, but this project was not implemented due to its high cost.

Another disadvantage was that the Berkut had low mobility, which made it extremely vulnerable to an enemy nuclear strike. In addition, the system was designed to repel a large number of enemy bombers, and by that time the war strategy had changed and the bombers began to fly in small units, which significantly reduced the chances of their detection. It should also be noted that low-flying bombers and cruise missiles were able to bypass this defense system.

3.2 Goals, objectives and experience with the use of S-25

The S-25 complex was developed and put into service in order to protect strategically important objects from enemy aircraft and cruise missiles. According to the general plan, the ground elements of the complex were supposed to monitor the air target, process the received data and issue commands to the guided missile. It was supposed to start vertically and could hit a target at a distance of up to 70 meters from the place of its explosion (the error value of hitting the target).

At the end of July 1951, the first tests of the S-25 and the V-300 missile in particular began. Test runs consisted of several stages. The first 3 launches were to check the rocket at the start, check the characteristics, the time of dropping the gas rudders. The next 5 launches were carried out to test the missile control system. This time, only the second launch occurred without any failures. As a result, shortcomings in the rocket equipment and ground cables were revealed. Next months, until the end of 1951, test launches were carried out, which were crowned with some success, but the missiles still needed to be finalized.

In 1952, a series of launches were carried out aimed at testing various electronic equipment of the rocket. In 1953, after 10 series of launches, the rocket and other elements of the Berkut anti-aircraft missile system received a recommendation for mass production.

In the late spring of 1953, testing and measurement of the combat characteristics of the system began. The possibility of destroying Tu-4 and Il-28 aircraft was tested. The destruction of targets required from one to four missiles. The task was solved by two missiles, as it is established at the present time - 2 missiles are used simultaneously to completely destroy the target.

S-25 "Berkut" was used until the 60s of the twentieth century, after which it was modernized and became known as S-25M. New characteristics made it possible to destroy targets at a speed of 4200 km / h at altitudes from 1.5 to 30 km. The flight range was increased to 43 km, and the storage periods at the launcher and warehouse were increased to 5 and 15 years, respectively.

S-25M were in service with the USSR and protected the sky over Moscow and the Moscow region until the early 80s of the twentieth century. Subsequently, the missiles were replaced with more modern ones and decommissioned in 1988. The sky over our country, together with the S-25, was protected by the S-75 air defense systems, which were simpler, cheaper and had a sufficient degree of mobility.

3.3 Foreign analogues

In 1953, the United States adopted the MIM-3 Nike Ajax anti-aircraft missile system. The complex has been developed since 1946 as a means for the effective destruction of enemy aircraft. The radar system had one channel, unlike our multi-channel system, but was much cheaper and covered all cities and military bases. It consisted of two radars, one of which tracked the enemy target, and the second directed the missile at the target itself. The combat capabilities of the MIM-3 Nike Ajax and C-25 were approximately the same, although the American system was simpler and by the time the C-75 complexes appeared in our country, there were several hundred MIM-3 complexes in the USA.

4. C-75

4.1 History of creation and performance characteristics

On November 20, 1953, the design of a mobile anti-aircraft missile system began on the basis of the Decree of the Council of Ministers of the USSR No. 2838/1201 "On the creation of a mobile system of anti-aircraft guided missile weapons to combat enemy aircraft." At that time, tests of the S-25 complex were in full swing, but due to its enormous cost and low mobility, the S-25 could not protect all important facilities and places of concentration of troops. The development was entrusted to the management of KB-1 under the leadership of A.A. Raspletin. At the same time, the OKB-2 department began work under the leadership of P.D. Grushin, who was engaged in the design of the S-75 using the existing developments on the S-25 complex, including those that were not implemented. The missile created for this complex was called the B-750. It was equipped with two stages - starting and marching, which gave the rocket more initial speed at an inclined start. The SM-63 launchers and the PR-11 transport-loading vehicle were specially developed for it.

The complex was put into service in 1957. The characteristics of the S-75 allowed it to compete with its analogues from other states.

In total there were 3 modifications "Dvina", "Desna" and "Volkhov".

In the Desna variant, the target engagement range was 34 km, and in the Volkhov variant, up to 43 km.

Initially, the range of target engagement heights was from 3 to 22 km, but then in Desna it changed to a range of 0.5-30 km, and in Volkhov it became 0.4-30 km. Max speed target destruction reached 2300 km / h. In the future, these indicators were improved.

In the mid-70s, the complex began to be equipped with 9Sh33A television optical sights with an optical target tracking channel. This made it possible to guide the target and fire at it without the use of air defense radar systems in the radiation mode. And thanks to the "narrow" beam antennas, the minimum target engagement height was reduced to 100 meters, and the speed was increased to 3600 km / h.

Some of the missiles of the complex were equipped with a special nuclear warhead.

4.2 Goals, objectives and application experience.

The goals of creating the S-75 complex were to reduce the cost compared to the S-25, increase mobility so that it could protect the entire territory of our country. These goals have been achieved. In terms of its capabilities, the S-75 was not inferior to foreign counterparts and was supplied to many Warsaw Pact countries, to Algeria, Vietnam, Iran, Egypt, Iraq, Cuba, China, Libya, Yugoslavia, Syria and many others.

On October 7, 1959, for the first time in the history of air defense, a high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft, an American RB-57D aircraft belonging to the Taiwanese Air Force near Beijing, was shot down by an anti-aircraft guided missile of the S-75 complex. The reconnaissance flight altitude was 20,600 meters.

In the same year, on November 16, an S-75 shot down an American balloon near Stalingrad at an altitude of 28 km.

On May 1, 1960, an S-75 destroyed an American U-2 reconnaissance aircraft of the US Air Force over Sverdlovsk. However, on this day, a MiG-19 fighter of the USSR Air Force was also destroyed by mistake.

In the 60s, during Caribbean Crisis a U-2 scout was also shot down. And then the Chinese Air Force shot down 5 US reconnaissance aircraft over its territory.

During the Vietnam War, according to the USSR Ministry of Defense, 1293 aircraft were destroyed by this complex, including 54 B-52 strategic bombers. But according to the Americans, the losses amounted to only 200 aircraft. In reality, the data of the USSR Ministry of Defense were somewhat overestimated, but in general the complex showed itself from the excellent side.

In addition, the S-75 complex participated in the 1969 Arab-Israeli conflict. During the War doomsday in the Middle East in 1973. In these battles, the complex perfectly demonstrated that it is able to protect the territory and people from enemy attacks.

In the Persian Gulf in 1991, the S-75 was defeated and 38 units were destroyed by electronic warfare and cruise missiles. But the complex managed to shoot down a 4th generation F-15 fighter.

In the 21st century, many countries use this complex, for example, Azerbaijan, Angola, Armenia, Egypt, Iran, but it’s worth moving on to more modern ones, not forgetting to mention foreign counterparts.

4.3 Foreign analogues

To replace the MIM-3, the Americans adopted the MIM-14 Nike-Hercules in 1958.

It was the world's first long-range anti-aircraft missile system - up to 140 km with a strike height of 45 km. The missiles of the complex were designed not only to destroy enemy aircraft, but also to intercept ballistic missiles and destroy ground targets.

MIM-14 Nike-Hercules remained the most advanced until the advent of the Soviet S-200. The large radius of destruction and the presence of a nuclear warhead made it possible to hit all the planes and missiles on the planet at that time.

The MIM-14 is superior to the C-75 in some respects, but in terms of mobility, the MIM-14 Nike-Hercules inherited the low mobility ailment of the MIM-3, which is inferior to the C-75.

5. S-125 "Neva"

5.1 History of creation and performance characteristics

The first anti-aircraft missile systems, such as the S-25, S-75, and their foreign counterparts, did their job well - hitting high-speed high-flying targets that are inaccessible to cannon anti-aircraft artillery and difficult to destroy for fighters.

Due to the fact that previous anti-aircraft missile systems have shown that they are capable of carrying out combat duty and participating in hostilities, it is natural that it was decided to extend this type of weapon to the entire range of heights and speeds of potential threats.

At that time, the minimum height for hitting targets with the S-25 and S-75 complexes was 1-3 km, which fully met the requirements of the early 50s of the twentieth century. But given this trend, it was to be expected that aviation would soon switch to a new method of warfare - combat at low altitudes. Realizing this fact, KB-1 and its head A.A. Raspletin were tasked with creating a low-altitude air defense system. Work began in the autumn of 1955. The latest system was supposed to serve to intercept low-flying targets at altitudes from 100 to 5000 meters at speeds up to 1500 km / h. The range of hitting targets was relatively small - only 12 km. But the main requirement was the full mobility of the complex with all its missiles, radar stations for tracking, control, reconnaissance and communications. The developments were carried out taking into account transportation on an automobile basis, but transportation by rail, sea and air was also envisaged.

As with the S-75, the development of the S-125 used the experience of previous projects. The methods of searching, scanning and tracking the target were completely borrowed from the S-25 and S-75.

The big problem was the reflection of the antenna signal from the surface of the earth and its landscape. It was decided to place the antennas of the guidance stations at an angle, which gave a gradual increase in interference from reflection when tracking the target.

An innovation was the decision to create automated system launch of APP-125 missiles, which itself determined the boundary of the affected area and fired a missile due to the short time of enemy aircraft approaching.

In the course of research and development, a special V-600P rocket was also developed - the first rocket designed according to the "duck" scheme, which provided the rocket with great maneuverability.

In the event of a miss, the rocket automatically went up and self-destructed.

The anti-aircraft missile regiments of the air defense of the USSR Armed Forces were equipped with SNR-125 guidance stations, guided missiles, transport-loading vehicles and interface cabins in 1961.

5.2

The S-125 "Neva" complex was designed to destroy low-flying enemy targets (100 - 5000 meters). Target recognition was provided at a distance of up to 110 km. The Neva had an automatic launch system. It is important to note that during the tests it was revealed that the probability of hitting a target without interference was 0.8-0.9, and the probability of hitting in passive interference was 0.49-0.88.

A large number of S-125s were sold abroad. The buyers were Egypt, Syria, Libya, Myanmar, Vietnam, Venezuela, Turkmenistan. The total cost of deliveries amounted to about $250 million. US dollars.

There were also various modifications of the S-125 for air defense (Neva), for the Navy (Volna) and Export (Pechora).

If we talk about the combat use of the complex, then in 1970 in Egypt, Soviet divisions destroyed 9 Israeli and 1 Egyptian aircraft with 35 missiles.

During the Yom Kippur War between Egypt and Israel, 21 aircraft were shot down by 174 rockets. And Syria shot down 33 aircraft with 131 missiles.

The real sensation was the moment when, on March 27, 1999, a Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk stealth tactical strike aircraft was shot down over Yugoslavia for the first time.

5.3 Foreign analogues

In 1960, the MIM-23 Hawk was adopted by the Americans. Initially, the complex was developed to destroy enemy aircraft, but was later upgraded to destroy missiles.

It was slightly better than our S-125 system in terms of its characteristics, as it could hit targets at altitudes from 60 to 11,000 meters at a distance of 2 to 25 km in its very first modifications. In the future, it was modernized many times until 1995. The Americans themselves did not use this complex in hostilities, but foreign countries it was actively used.

But, the practice is not so different. For example, during the October War of 1973, Israel fired 57 missiles from this complex, but none of them hit the target.

6. Z RK S-200

6.1 History of creation and performance characteristics

In the mid-50s, in the context of the rapid development of supersonic aviation and thermonuclear weapons, it became the necessary creation long-range mobile anti-aircraft missile system, which could solve the problem of intercepting a high-flying target. Given that the systems available at that time had a short range, it was very expensive to deploy them throughout the country for reliable protection against air strikes. Especially important was the organization of the protection of the northern territories, where there was the shortest flight distance. American missiles and bombers. And if we take into account the fact that the northern regions of our country are poorly equipped with road infrastructure and the population density is extremely low, then a completely new air defense system was required.

According to the Government Decree of March 19, 1956 and May 8, 1957 No. 501 and No. 250, a large number of enterprises and workshops were involved in the development new system Long range air defense. The general designer of the system, as before, was A.A. Raspletin and P.D. Grushin.

First sketch new rocket The B-860 was introduced at the end of December 1959. Particular attention was paid to the protection of the internal structural elements of the rocket, since as a result of the flight of the rocket at hypersonic speed, the structures were heated.

The initial characteristics of the missile were far from those of foreign counterparts already in service, such as the MIM-14 Nike-Hercules. It was decided to increase the radius of destruction of supersonic targets up to 110-120 km, and subsonic - up to 160-180 km.

The new generation firing complex included: a command post, a radar for clarifying the situation, a digital computer and up to five firing channels. The firing channel of the firing complex included a half-light target radar, a starting position with six launchers, and power supply facilities.

This complex was put into service in 1967 and is currently in service.

The S-200 was produced in various modifications both for our country and for export to foreign countries.

The S-200 Angara was put into service in 1967. The maximum speed of the hit targets reached 1100 km/h, the number of simultaneously fired targets was 6. The height of the hit was from 0.5 to 20 km. Range of defeat from 17 to 180 km. The probability of hitting targets is 0.45-0.98.

S-200V "Vega" was put into service in 1970. The maximum speed of the hit targets reached 2300 km / h, the number of simultaneously fired targets was 6. The height of the hit was from 0.3 to 35 km. Range of defeat from 17 to 240 km. The probability of hitting targets is 0.66-0.99.

S-200D "Dubna" was put into service in 1975. The maximum speed of the hit targets reached 2300 km / h, the number of simultaneously fired targets was 6. The height of the hit was from 0.3 to 40 km. Range of defeat from 17 to 300 km. The probability of hitting targets is 0.72-0.99.

For a greater probability of hitting targets, the S-200 complex was combined with low-altitude S-125, from where the formations of anti-aircraft brigades of mixed composition came from.

By that time, long-range air defense systems were already well known in the West. US space intelligence facilities continuously recorded all stages of its deployment. According to American data, in 1970 the number of S-200 launchers was 1100, in 1975 - 1600, in 1980 -1900. The deployment of this system reached its peak in the mid-1980s, when the number of launchers amounted to 2030 units.

6.2 Goals, objectives and application experience

The S-200 was created as a long-range complex, its task was to cover the country's territory from enemy air strikes. A big plus was the increased range of the system, which made it economically possible to deploy it throughout the country.

It is worth noting that the S-200 was the first air defense system that was capable of the specific purpose of the Lockheed SR-71. For this reason, US reconnaissance aircraft have always flown only along the borders of the USSR and the Warsaw Pact countries.

The S-200 is also known for the tragic incident on October 4, 2001, when a civilian Tu-154 aircraft of Siberia Airlines was mistakenly shot down during exercises in Ukraine. Then 78 people died.

Speaking about the combat use of the complex, on December 6, 1983, the Syrian S-200 complex shot down two Israeli MQM-74 drones.

On March 24, 1986, the Libyan S-200 complex is believed to have shot down American attack aircraft, 2 of which were A-6Es.

The complexes were also in service in Libya in the recent conflict of 2011, but nothing is known about their use in it, except that after an air strike they were completely destroyed on the territory of Libya.

6.3 Foreign analogues

An interesting project was the Boeing CIM-10 Bomarc. This complex was developed from 1949 to 1957. It was put into service in 1959. Currently, it is considered the most long-range air defense system. The range of destruction of Bomarc-A was 450 km, and the modification of 1961 Bomarc-B was up to 800 km with a missile speed of almost 4000 km/h.

But, given that the USSR quickly grew its arsenal of strategic missiles, and this system could only hit aircraft and bombers, then in 1972 the system was withdrawn from service.

7. ZRK S-300

7.1 History of creation and performance characteristics

By the end of the 60s, the experience of using air defense systems in the wars in Vietnam and the Middle East showed that it was necessary to create a complex with the greatest mobility and a short transition time from marching and duty to combat and vice versa. The need is due to the rapid change of position before the arrival of enemy aircraft.

In the USSR at that time, the S-25, S-75, S-125 and S-200 were already in service. Progress did not stand still and it took a new weapon, more modern and versatile. Design work on the S-300 began in 1969. It was decided to create air defense for the ground forces S-300V ("Military"), S-300F ("Navy"), S-300P ("air defense of the country").

The chief designer of the S-300 was Veniamin Pavlovich Efremov. The system was developed taking into account the possibility of hitting ballistic and aerodynamic targets. The task of simultaneously tracking 6 targets and aiming 12 missiles at them was set and solved. For the first time, a system of full automation of the work of the complex was implemented. They included the tasks of detection, tracking, target distribution, target designation, target acquisition, its destruction and evaluation of the result. The crew (combat crew) was tasked with assessing the operation of the system and monitoring the launch of missiles. It was also assumed the possibility of manual intervention in the course of the combat system.

Serial production of the complex and testing began in 1975. By 1978, tests of the complex were completed. In 1979, the S-300P took up combat duty to protect the air borders of the USSR.

Important features are that the complex is capable of operating in various combinations within one modification, operating as part of a battery with various other combat units and systems.

In addition, it is permissible to use various means of disguise, such as simulators electromagnetic radiation in infrared and radio bands, camouflage nets.

The S-300 systems were widely used in the class of modifications. Separate modifications were developed for sale abroad. As can be seen in Figure No. 19, the S-300 was supplied abroad only for the fleet and air defense, as a means of protecting the Ground Forces, the complex remained only for our country. ​

All modifications are distinguished by various missiles, the ability to protect against electronic warfare, range and the ability to deal with short-range ballistic missiles or low-flying targets.

7.2 Main tasks, application and foreign analogues

The S-300 is designed to defend large industrial and administrative facilities, command posts, and military bases from attacks by enemy aerospace weapons.

According to official figures, the S-300 has never taken part in real hostilities. But, training launches are conducted in many countries.

Their results showed the high combat capability of the S-300.

The main tests of the complex were aimed at countering ballistic missiles. Aircraft were destroyed with just one missile, and two shots were enough to destroy missiles.

In 1995, a P-17 missile was shot down at the Kapustin Yar range during demonstration firing at the range. The training ground was attended by delegations from 11 countries. All targets were completely destroyed.

Speaking of foreign analogues, it is worth pointing out the famous American MIM-104 Patriot complex. It has been created since 1963. Its main task is to intercept enemy ballistic missiles, defeat aircraft at medium altitudes. It was put into service in 1982. This complex could not surpass the S-300. There were Patriot, Patriot PAC-1, Patriot PAC-2 complexes, which were put into service in 1982, 1986, 1987, respectively. Considering the performance characteristics of the Patriot PAC-2, we note that it could hit aerodynamic targets at ranges from 3 to 160 km, ballistic targets up to 20 km, altitude range from 60 meters to 24 km. The maximum target speed is 2200 m/s.

8. Modern complexes air defense

8.1 Standing in service with the Russian Federation

The main topic of our work was the consideration of air defense systems of the "C" family, and we should start with the most modern S-400 in service with the RF Armed Forces.

S-400 "Triumph" - long-range and medium-range air defense systems. It is designed to destroy the enemy's means of aerospace attack, such as reconnaissance aircraft, ballistic missiles, hypersonic. This system was put into service relatively recently - on April 28, 2007. The latest air defense system is capable of hitting aerodynamic targets at ranges up to 400 km and up to 60 km - ballistic targets, the speed of which does not exceed 4.8 km/s. The target itself is detected even earlier, at a distance of 600 km. The difference from the "Patriot" and other complexes is that the minimum target engagement height is only 5 m, which gives this complex a huge advantage over others, making it universal. The number of simultaneously fired targets is 36 with 72 guided missiles. The deployment time of the complex is 5-10 minutes, and the time for bringing it to combat readiness is 3 minutes.

The Russian government agreed to sell this complex to China, but not earlier than 2016, when our country will be fully equipped with them.

It is believed that the S-400 has no analogues in the world.

The following complexes that we would like to consider in the framework of this work are TOR M-1 and TOR M-2. These are complexes designed to solve air defense and missile defense tasks at the divisional level. In 1991, the first TOR was put into service as a complex for protecting important administrative facilities and ground forces from all types of enemy air attacks. The complex is a short-range system - from 1 to 12 km, at altitudes from 10 meters to 10 km. The maximum speed of targets hit is 700 m / s.

TOR M-1 is an excellent complex. The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation refused China a license to produce it, and as you know, there is no concept of copyright in China, so they created their own copy of the Hongqi-17 TOP.

Since 2003, the Tunguska-M1 anti-aircraft gun-missile system has also been in service. It is designed to provide air defense for tank and motorized rifle units. Tunguska is capable of destroying helicopters, airplanes, cruise missiles, drones, tactical aircraft. It is also distinguished by the fact that both missile and cannon weapons are combined. Cannon armament - two 30-mm anti-aircraft double-barreled guns, the rate of fire of which is 5000 rounds per minute. It is capable of hitting targets at an altitude of up to 3.5 km, a range of 2.5 to 8 km for missiles, 3 km and from 200 meters to 4 km for anti-aircraft guns.

The next means of combating the enemy in the air, we would note the BUK-M2. This is a multifunctional, highly mobile medium-range air defense system. It is designed to destroy aircraft, tactical and strategic aviation, helicopters, drones, cruise missiles. BUK is used to protect military facilities and troops in general, throughout the country to protect industrial and administrative facilities.

It is very interesting to consider another air defense and missile defense weapon of our time, Pantsir-S1. It can be called an improved Tunguska model. This is also a self-propelled anti-aircraft missile and gun system. It is designed to cover civilian and military facilities, including long-range air defense systems, from all modern air attack weapons. It can also perform military operations against ground, surface objects.

It was put into service quite recently - November 16, 2012. The missile unit is capable of hitting targets at altitudes from 15 m to 15 km and a range of 1.2-20 km. The target speed is not more than 1 km/s.

Cannon armament - two 30-mm anti-aircraft double-barreled guns used in the Tunguska-M1 complex.

Up to 6 machines can work simultaneously and together via a digital communication network.

It is known from the Russian media that in 2014 the Shells were used in the Crimea and hit Ukrainian drones.

8.2 Foreign analogues

Let's start with the well-known MIM-104 Patriot PAC-3. This is the latest modification currently in service with the US Army. Its main task is to intercept the warheads of tactical ballistic and cruise missiles of the modern world. It uses highly maneuverable direct-hit missiles. A feature of the PAC-3 is that it has a short range of hitting targets - up to 20 km for ballistic and 40-60 for aerodynamic targets. It is striking that the sale of the missile stock includes PAC-2 missiles. Modernization work was carried out, but this did not give the Patriot complex an advantage over the S-400.

Another object of consideration will be the M1097 Avenger. This is a short-range air defense system. Designed to destroy air targets at altitudes from 0.5 to 3.8 km with a range of 0.5 to 5.5 km. He, like the Patriot, is part of the National Guard, and after September 11, 12 Avenger combat units appeared in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe Congress and the White House.

The last complex that we will consider is the NASAMS air defense system. This is a Norwegian mobile anti-aircraft missile system, which is designed to destroy air targets at low and medium altitudes. It was developed by Norway together with the American company "Raytheon Company System". The range of hitting targets is from 2.4 to 40 km, the height is from 30 meters to 16 km. The maximum speed of the hit target is 1000 m/s, and the probability of hitting it with one missile is 0.85.

Consider what our neighbors, China, have? It should be noted right away that their developments in many areas, both in air defense and missile defense, are mostly borrowed. Many of their air defense systems are copies of our types of weapons. For example, take the Chinese HQ-9 - a long-range anti-aircraft missile system, is the most effective tool Air defense of China. The complex was developed back in the 80s, but work on it was completed after the purchase of the S-300PMU-1 air defense system from Russia in 1993.

Designed to destroy aircraft, cruise missiles, helicopters, ballistic missiles. The maximum range is 200 km, the height of the defeat is from 500 meters to 30 km. The interception range of ballistic missiles is 30 km.

9. Prospects for the development of air defense and future projects

Russia has the most modern means of combating enemy missiles and aircraft, but there are already defense projects with a lead of 15-20 years, when the place air combat there will be not only the sky, but also the near space.

Such a complex is the S-500. This type of weapon has not yet been adopted for service, but is being tested. It is assumed that it will be capable of destroying medium-range ballistic missiles with a launch range of 3500 km and intercontinental ballistic missiles. This complex will be able to destroy targets within a radius of 600 km, the speed of which reaches 7 km / s. The detection range is supposed to be increased by 150-200 km compared to the S-400.

The BUK-M3 is also under development and should soon be put into service.

Thus, we note that soon the air defense and missile defense forces will have to defend and fight not only close to the ground, but also in the nearest space. This shows that development will go in the direction of combating enemy aircraft, missiles and satellites in near space.

10. Conclusion

In our work, we examined the development of the air defense system of our country and the United States in the period from the 50s of the twentieth century to the present day, partly looking into the future. It should be noted that the development of the air defense system was not easy for our country, it was a real breakthrough through a number of difficulties. There was a time when we tried to catch up with world military technology. Now everything is different, Russia occupies a leading position in the field of combating enemy aircraft and missiles. We can really consider that we are under reliable protection.

As we have already noted, at first 60 years ago they fought with low-flying bombers at subsonic speeds, and now the battle arena is gradually being transferred to near space and hypersonic speeds. Progress does not stand still, so you should think about the prospects for the development of your Armed Forces and predict the actions and development of technologies and tactics of the enemy.

We hope that all the military technology now available will not be needed for combat use. Nowadays, weapons of deterrence are not only nuclear weapon, but also any other types of weapons, including air defense and missile defense.

List of used literature

1) Anti-aircraft missile forces in the wars in Vietnam and the Middle East (in the period 1965-1973). Under general edition Colonel-General of Artillery I.M. Gurinov. Military publishing house of the Ministry of Defense of the USSR, Moscow 1980

2) General information about the S-200 anti-aircraft missile system and the 5V21A missile device. Tutorial. Military publishing house of the Ministry of Defense of the USSR, Moscow - 1972

3) Berkut. Technical project. Section 1. general characteristics air defense system Berkut. 1951

4) Anti-aircraft tactics missile troops. Textbook. Military publishing house of the Ministry of Defense of the USSR, Moscow - 1969

5) http://www.arms-expo.ru/ "Arms of Russia" - federal directory

6) http://militaryrussia.ru/ - domestic military equipment(after 1945)

7) http://topwar.ru/ - military review

Http://rbase.new-factoria.ru/ - rocket technology

9) https://ru.wikipedia.org - free encyclopedia

ZRS S-300VM "Antey-2500"

The only mobile air defense system in the world that can intercept short and medium range ballistic missiles (up to 2500 km). Another "Antey" can shoot down a modern aircraft, including the stealth Staelth. The Antey target can be hit simultaneously by four or two 9M83 (9M83M) SAM missiles (depending on the weapon used). launcher). In addition to the Russian army, the Almaz-Antey concern supplies Antey to Venezuela; also signed a contract with Egypt. But Iran in 2015 abandoned it in favor of the S-300 air defense system.

ZRS S-300V

The S-Z00V military self-propelled anti-aircraft missile system carries two types of missiles. The first is 9M82 in order to shoot down ballistic Pershings and SRAM-type aircraft missiles, as well as far-flying aircraft. The second - 9M83, to destroy aircraft and ballistic missiles such as "Lance" and R-17 "Scud".

Autonomous air defense system "Tor"

Bearing the proud name of the Scandinavian deity, the Thor air defense system can cover not only infantry and equipment, but also buildings and industrial facilities. "Thor" protects, among other things, from high-precision weapons, guided bombs and enemy drones. At the same time, the system itself controls the designated airspace and independently shoots down all air targets that are not identified by the “friend or foe” system. Therefore, they call it autonomous.

Anti-aircraft missile system "Osa" and its modifications "Osa-AK" and "Osa-AKM"

Since the 60s of the XX century, the Osa has been in service with the Soviet, and later the Russian army and the armies of the CIS countries, as well as more than 25 foreign countries. She is able to protect ground troops from enemy aircraft, helicopters and cruise missiles operating at extremely low, low and medium altitudes (up to 5 m at a distance of up to 10 km).

SAM MD-PS increased secrecy of functioning

The secrecy of the MD-PS is ensured through the use of optical means for detecting and guiding the missile along infrared radiation targets in the wavelength range of 8−12 µm. The detection system has an all-round view and can simultaneously find up to 50 targets and select the most dangerous ones. Guidance is carried out on the principle of "shot and forget" (missiles with homing heads that "see" the target).

"Tunguska"

The Tunguska anti-aircraft cannon missile system is a short-range air defense system. In combat, it covers infantry from helicopters and attack aircraft operating at low altitudes, and fires at lightly armored ground and floating equipment. She opens fire not only from a place, but also in motion - if only there was no fog and snowfall. In addition to the ZUR9M311 missiles, the Tunguska is equipped with 2A38 anti-aircraft guns, which can turn to the sky up to an angle of 85 degrees.

"Pine - RA"

The light mobile towed Sosna-RA anti-aircraft gun-missile system, like the Tunguska, is equipped with an anti-aircraft gun that hits targets at an altitude of up to 3 km. But the main advantage of Sosna-RA is the 9M337 Sosna-RA hypersonic missile, which already shoots at targets at a height of up to 3500 meters. The range of destruction is from 1.3 to 8 km. "Pine-RA" - light complex; this means that it can be put on any platform that can withstand its weight - trucks Ural-4320, KamAZ-4310 and others.

New

Anti-aircraft missile system of long and medium range S-400 "Triumph"

The defeat of targets at long range in the Russian army is provided, among other things, by the S-400 Triumph air defense system. It is designed to destroy aerospace attack weapons, and is capable of intercepting a target at a distance of more than 200 kilometers and at an altitude of up to 30 kilometers. The Triumph has been in service with the Russian army since 2007.

"Pantsir-S1"

ZRPK "Pantsir-S1" was adopted in 2012. His automatic guns and guided missiles with radio command guidance with infrared and radar tracking allow you to neutralize any target in the air, on land and on water. Pantsir-S1 is armed with 2 anti-aircraft guns and 12 surface-to-air missiles.

SAM "Pine"

The Sosna short-range mobile anti-aircraft missile system is the latest Russian novelty; The complex will enter service only at the end of this year. It has two parts - armor-piercing and fragmentation-rod action, that is, it can hit armored vehicles, fortifications and ships, shoot down cruise missiles, drones and high-precision weapons. "Pine" is guided by a laser: the rocket flies along the beam.