Ukrainian reconnaissance reveals heavy fortification of Moscow with advanced S‑400 defence systems
In the previous year, Ukrainians have demonstrated that Moscow cannot assume it's completely secure. Multiple successful drone attacks imply that the city must be heavily fortified. There was considerable discussion regarding photos showing Pantsir-S1 systems on rooftops in Moscow's city centre. Evidence now exists of S-400 systems being employed for the same purpose.
"We managed to locate 12 launchers, radar stations and universal towers for them. These are likely the S-400 Triumph air defence systems. The Russians continue to keep such valuable complexes in the deeper areas of Moscow, while there is a critical shortage at the front. Supposedly, they are used to shield strategic control points," wrote the Atesh agents in their statement, to which they attached several photos.
Several S-400 defence systems entrusted in Moscow
The S-400, along with the above-mentioned Pantsir-S1, is one of the most valuable Russian air defence systems. Developed in the 1990s as a substantial upgrade of the S-300PMU system, it was introduced in 2007. Even though it's utilised in the war in Ukraine, as can be seen, the Russian authorities deemed it suitable to defend the capital.
What capabilities does the S-400 system possess?
This is a ground-to-air system capable of intercepting aircraft, helicopters, drones, and even ballistic missiles moving at a speed of about 4.8 km/s.
It has been adapted to use several types of missiles, which range from around 40 km (9M96 missiles weighing about 350 kg) to even 400 km (40N6E missiles weighing approximately 1,800 kg). The distance at which a target can be engaged also depends on what it is. For instance, in the case of ballistic missiles, the S-400 does not reach further than approximately 50 km.
The Russians maintain that the S-400 is twice as effective as previous air defence systems from this series. Although it's challenging to provide precise evidence, in practical terms, it is indeed among their most valuable weapons of this kind.
However, it turns out that it doesn't work flawlessly in every scenario. Its efficacy was mysterious, for instance, during encounters in Syria, where it often failed to respond to incoming Israeli aircraft. The S-400 also proved ineffective at defending the airport in Belgorod (along with the Pantsir S-1), which Ukrainians attacked in 2022. The S-400 faltered again just a few days ago in Ukraine.
