Russia Activates S-400 Missile Systems In South To Guard Frontier

Russia has activated an air defense regiment armed with advanced S-400 surface-to-air missile systems in the Southern Military District to guard its southern frontiers, the Russian military said Tuesday.

"An air defense missile regiment from the Fourth Command of the Air Force and Air Defense entered into service in the Krasnodar region. It is equipped with S-400 Triumph advanced missile systems and Pantsir-S air defense missile and gun complex," the Southern Military District's press service said in a statement.

Earlier this month, the S-400 systems arrived at their permanent base after completing tests at the Ashuluk firing range in southern Astrakhan region.

During the tests, they successfully destroyed high-speed targets simulating incoming ballistic missiles and other aerial targets.
In August, Russia also announced plans to deploy its newest S-500 air defense systems to protect Moscow and central regions.
Alexei Zolotukhin, a spokesperson for Russia's Aerospace Defense Forces, said Monday that 12 missile regiments will receive the S-400 systems by 2020.

The S-400 system, which can engage targets at a maximum range of up to 400 km at an altitude of 40,000-50,000 meters, is expected to form the cornerstone of Russia's air defense by 2020.

The S-500 systems will have an extended range of up to 600 km and is capable of engaging up to 10 targets simultaneously. (Cihan/Xinhua)