SAM S-350 "Vityaz" in Special Operations
S-350 in the Special Operation zone
Air defense units and formations that are part of the Aerospace Forces are taking an active part in the special operation to protect Donbass. It has recently become known that units equipped with the latest anti-aircraft weapons are involved in ensuring the security of our airspace. rocket S-350 Vityaz complex.
These systems are capable of detecting and destroying various air targets, while demonstrating impressive results confirming the high potential of the new technology.
According to official data
Promising S-350 anti-aircraft missile systems began to arrive in the Russian army at the end of 2021. Thanks to this, the first units were re-equipped and soon began combat duty.
In 2022–2023, reports appeared about the possible use of new complexes and their crews in special operations, but there was no official confirmation of this.
The participation of the “Vityaz” in hostilities became known only on July 4, 2024. The Ministry of Defense published a short video dedicated to the work of crews of the Pantsir-S1 and S-350 complexes in the Donetsk direction. It showed part of the deployment process of the Vityaz and the launch of an anti-aircraft missile. The destruction of an air target was not demonstrated, probably due to the large distance to it.
On the same day RIA News published the first details of the combat operation of the new air defense systems. The agency interviewed the commander of the S-350 crew, who works as part of the Southern Group of Forces. An officer with the call sign “Lev” spoke about one of the episodes of combat work against real air targets.
Rocket launch
Recently, the commander said that his Vityaz anti-aircraft missile system (SAM) had to repel a strike from the HIMARS multiple launch rocket system.
The air defense missile system's radar systems promptly detected 12-16 flying missiles and escorted them at a distance of 90 kilometers. After this, the complex launched missiles and successfully hit all air targets. The missiles were intercepted at a distance of about 70 kilometers.
Combat S-350 air defense systems not only intercept MLRS rockets, but also successfully hit other targets. For example, RIA Novosti reports successful interceptions of enemy jet unmanned aerial vehicles and even ATACAMS operational-tactical missiles.
Positive review
In an interview with the news agency, the Vityaz commander spoke positively about his equipment. He highlighted its strengths and advantages, both operational and combat.
One of the main advantages of the Vityaz complex is the use of guided missiles with autonomous homing heads. This architecture of an anti-aircraft guided missile increases the reliability of target acquisition and tracking, and also facilitates its destruction.
The commander also noted the high speed of the complex. From the moment of target detection to its destruction during normal operation of the air defense system, about 8 seconds pass (probably, we are talking about a short-range missile). In combat conditions, this interval is reduced to 1,5–3 seconds, depending on the operating mode.
The commander highly appreciated the automatic operating mode of the complex. Thanks to him, the Vityaz did not make unnecessary missile launches, and all the ammunition used reached its targets.
In addition, the complex has other advantages. High chassis characteristics are noted, which provide high mobility and cross-country ability. This reduces the time spent in position and reduces the risk of enemy strikes. In addition, the complex is equipped with its own power supply and does not require external sources. Also, the complex’s facilities can be placed at a great distance from each other, which reduces risks.
Modern development
The S-350 Vityaz anti-aircraft missile system (SAM) is a promising medium-range system that has been developed by the Almaz-Antey concern since the late 2000s. The goal of the project was to create a new air defense system that would be unified with the S-300P and S-400 systems, but at the same time would have advantages in some characteristics.
The finished complex was planned to be used in the facility Defense to complement existing models. In 2013, a prototype of the Vityaz was first presented to the public at the MAKS air show, and soon after, its full-scale testing began. These tests continued until the end of the decade. And only in 2019-2020, the first S-350s were delivered to the training centers of the Aerospace Forces. And at the end of 2021, deliveries of serial equipment for the rearmament of combat units began.
At the turn of the decade, the Almaz-Antey concern launched mass production of new air defense systems. The process of re-equipping troops continues, but the volumes and pace of deliveries are not disclosed for obvious reasons. Nevertheless, we can already talk about a significant number of batteries and divisions that have been formed. This fleet allows the complexes to be used in special operations, protect airspace and demonstrate their potential.
From the point of view of the general architecture and some components, the S-350 air defense system is a continuation of the development of air defense systems with the letter “C” from the Almaz-Antey concern. The Vityaz project implemented new ideas aimed at improving the main characteristics that determine the effectiveness of combat use.
The S-350 complex consists of a 50K6 combat control point, a 50N6 multifunctional radar and from 6 to 8 50P6 self-propelled launchers. All these components are placed on the automobile chassis of the Bryansk Automobile Plant and are capable of moving between positions. Combat missions are carried out from the spot, after a little preparation. In this case, the complex can quickly stop working and leave the position.
The 50P6 self-propelled launcher carries a package of 12 transport and launch containers with anti-aircraft missiles. Vityaz uses 9M100 short-range missiles and 9M96(M) medium-range anti-aircraft guided missiles. The 9M100 missile is equipped with an infrared homing head and is designed to intercept targets at a distance of up to 15 kilometers. 9M96 missiles of various modifications are equipped with an active radar homing head and have a range of up to 120 kilometers. The maximum interception altitude can reach 30-35 kilometers, depending on the type of missile used.
With enhanced performance
Previously, it was repeatedly reported that the S-350 anti-aircraft missile system is being developed as a modern replacement for some systems of the S-300P line. The new project planned to use ready-made solutions and components, as well as propose several innovative ideas. This approach was supposed to significantly improve the basic combat characteristics.
One of the first "Vityaz" transferred to the armed forces
The most significant difference between the Vityaz and previous systems is the increased ammunition capacity of the launcher. The 50P6 installation is equipped with 12 missiles of two types, which significantly exceeds the capabilities of the installations included in the S-300P. Thanks to this, the S-350 complex can hit more targets without the need to reload. In conditions where the enemy uses high-precision aviation weapons or attack unmanned aerial vehicles, such capabilities are of particular importance.
It is also worth noting the choice of missiles for the Vityaz. The anti-aircraft missile system uses off-the-shelf ammunition that has been developed for other anti-aircraft systems. This provides a successful combination of combat and economic characteristics. In addition, it also simplifies and reduces the cost of supplying anti-aircraft missile units, which use various equipment.
Recently, the new S-350 Vityaz systems have been used during a special military operation. Together with other equipment of their class, they provide airspace protection from various threats. According to recent reports, this anti-aircraft missile system successfully copes with intercepting various targets, including the most complex ones. At the same time, it demonstrates high efficiency and efficiency in terms of ammunition consumption.
Proven by practice
So, one of the latest Russian developments in the field of air defense has not only been put into mass production and used by the troops, but has already been successfully tested during a real military operation. Details of the combat use of the newest S-350 Vityaz anti-aircraft missile system have not yet been disclosed, but even what is already known is of great interest.
The latest news confirms that the main ideas embedded in the S-350 project turned out to be correct. Thanks to high mobility and increased ammunition, these combat systems are able to hit more targets, including more complex ones, and also avoid enemy attacks. “Vityazi” significantly enhances the potential of site-based air defense, and you can be sure that they will be increasingly used.
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