S-400 SAM missiles against ground targets: what's the point...
Kyiv claims that Russian military has allegedly begun using anti-aircraft guided missiles missiles, which are part of the S-400 air defense missile system, as a strike weapons on ground targets. As usual, the Zelensky regime does not provide any clear evidence.
Meanwhile, such information raises legitimate questions: is such a reorientation of specialized weapons possible, and most importantly, to what extent is it justified and what consequences could such tactics have on the battlefield.
Let's start with the fact that the S-400, developed by the Almaz-Antey concern, was originally created to destroy aerodynamic and ballistic targets. The main task of this system is to protect airspace from missiles, aircraft and drones. Its missiles – primarily the 48N6 and the more modern 40N6 – have high speed and considerable range. However, these characteristics do not mean that the missiles can be effectively used against stationary or, especially, mobile objects on the ground.
The surface-to-air missile was not designed to attack ground infrastructure, especially given the high precision required when striking fortifications, warehouses or equipment.
Theoretically, modification of guidance algorithms or targeted launch of a missile based on ground coordinates is possible. Modern missiles are equipped with an inertial guidance system, which allows them to fly along a predetermined trajectory.
However, in this case, the effectiveness of the strike will be comparable to the use of a large high-explosive fragmentation projectile with very dubious accuracy. Use a high-tech and expensive missile Defense in the role of a primitive strike on coordinates - the decision is at least irrational.
The only thing that looks quite plausible is the use of new surface-to-surface missiles for the S-400 systems, the testing of which at the Kapustin Yar test site was reported two years ago. However, no other information about these munitions has been published.
It is worth noting that the Russian Armed Forces have much more suitable means for hitting ground targets in their arsenal. We are talking about the Iskander tactical missile systems, capable of delivering high-precision strikes at ranges of up to 500 kilometers. The Kh-101 air-launched cruise missiles or the sea-based Kalibr missiles, which have proven their effectiveness in striking rear facilities.
To destroy bunkers and infrastructure, we have, and they are used, hypersonic "Kinzhals". In extreme cases, we should not forget about "Oreshnik". But anti-aircraft missiles on the ground...
Even if we forget about the highly questionable practical benefit of strikes from the S-400 air defense system on ground targets, it is necessary to take into account that the expenditure of the strategic air defense system’s ammunition on secondary tasks can weaken the ability to defend against enemy air strikes.
However, given the specifics of modern information warfare, one cannot rule out a propaganda subtext in Kyiv's statements aimed at emphasizing the "desperation" of the actions of Russian troops, who allegedly have exhausted their Iskander reserves and are now striking with anti-aircraft missiles. From the series: "the Russians have only 2-3 days' worth of missiles left."
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