Development and role of air defense missile systems in the air defense system. Part 6
The end of the "cold war" and the collapse of the USSR for some time reduced the threat of a large-scale military conflict. Against this background, serious cuts in the armed forces and military budgets have occurred in the countries of the global confrontation. It seemed to many that after the collapse of the communist ideology, humanity finally entered an era of peaceful coexistence and the primacy of international law.
Against this background, the military and political leadership of many states has lost interest in defensive anti-aircraft systems. Work on the creation of new and modernization of existing complexes has slowed down or completely ceased. Moreover, in order to save, many air defense missile systems with a large residual resource and modernization potential were written off.
To a greater degree this affected the armies of Eastern European countries, former participants of the Warsaw Pact and the former Soviet republics. In 70-80-s, dozens of medium-range and long-range air defense missile systems were deployed in the states of the Eastern Bloc, which formed a kind of air defense barrier protecting the western borders of the Soviet Union.
Satellite image of Google earth: the layout of the position of the air defense system of the Cold War in Europe
At that time, not much less anti-aircraft complexes were deployed in the territory of the European countries-allies of the USA, especially in terms of the number of positions of the air defense missile system, West Germany stood out.
Satellite image of Google earth: air defense system deployed in Europe as of 2010 year
Currently, the number of deployed positions of anti-aircraft complexes in Europe has decreased significantly. Many former allies of the USSR, changing their orientation, switched to Western standards of weapons.
Satellite image of Google earth: the position of the Polish C-125 air defense system in the Gdansk region
The exception is Poland, where the modernized Soviet air defense systems C-125, Romania with the old C-75 in the area of Bucharest and Albania with their unique for Europe Chinese HQ-2 (copy C-75) remained in service.
Polish C-125 ADMS on T-55 chassis
The rest of the states either finally demolished the old Soviet complexes, or transferred them to "storage". However, in some European countries, Russian long-range air defense systems will remain in service for a long time. The air defense systems of the C-XNUMPPMU and PMU-300 export versions are available in Bulgaria, Slovakia and Greece.
European countries that have anti-aircraft complexes in their arsenals are almost entirely armed with American air defense systems. Somewhere in service are still preserved late modifications of the air defense system "Hawk", but their cancellation is the matter of the near future. The last positions of the Nike-Hercules long-range air defense system in Italy and Turkey were eliminated in the early 2000s. To replace the outdated anti-aircraft systems, the United States is actively promoting the Patriot air defense system. Thus, under pressure from the Americans, Turkey disavowed the decision made by purchasing the Chinese air defense system HQ-9.
Patriot submarine Patriot PAC-3 US Army, deployed in Turkey
In April, 2015, Warsaw, officially approved the purchase of the American Patriot air defense missile systems as part of a project to create a national air defense system, the Vistula. In total, Poland plans to purchase eight batteries of the Patriot air defense missile system worth over $ 4,3 billion.
Satellite image of Google earth: the position of the Patriot air defense system in Germany
Currently, Patriot complexes are permanently deployed in Europe, Germany, the Netherlands, Greece, Turkey and Spain.
In addition to the US-made SAM systems in Italy, modernized 2000 Spud systems are used to cover air bases.
Satellite image of Google earth: the layout of the 2000 Spread SAM system in Italy
France, which, until recently, pursued an independent policy of military development, does not have medium and long-range anti-aircraft systems on alert. Air defense of the country is provided by fighter aviation. However, from time to time not far from the air bases and important centers of industry and energy at pre-prepared positions, the deployment of the Crotale-NG short-range air defense system takes place.
Satellite image of Google earth: ZRK position ZRK "Crotal" near Orleans
After the start of “market reforms”, the leadership of Russia began a landslide reduction of the armed forces, and this fully affected the air defense units. As of the year 1990, the Soviet air defense missile defense missile defense missile system had more than 6500 medium and long range air defense missile systems, of which more than 1700 C-300P civil defense missile systems. Most of this inheritance went to Russia.
After 5 years, the number of air defense systems carrying combat duty decreased several times. Of course, the decommissioning of obsolete types of air defense systems was inevitable, but along with the old ones, in our country, complexes that still had a large residual resource and modernization potential were written off.
At that time, it would be reasonable to extend the operation with the subsequent phased modernization of long-range air defense systems C-200D, placing them on the border - coastal directions (European North of the Russian Federation and the Far East) where there is the greatest activity of reconnaissance and combat aircraft of "potential partners". Even today, this air defense system remains unsurpassed in terms of range, the mass production of new 40H6E long-range missiles for C-400 SAMs, which should have a range of up to 400 km, is not yet established. But in the 90s, the then leadership of the Russian Federation was no longer concerned about protecting the airspace, but about how to please the "American partners."
This fully applies to the low-altitude medium-range air defense system S-125. Later modifications of this complex could still be effectively operated, performing the tasks of covering long-range air defense systems and protecting objects deep in the territory of the Russian Federation. The S-125 air defense system has far from exhausted its capabilities; subject to modernization, it is able to successfully carry out tasks to combat tactical aircraft, cruise missiles and drones, complementing more modern and long-range systems.
Satellite image of Google earth: C-125 air defense system in Armenia
Russia has successfully implemented C-125 export modernization programs. There is even a competition of proposals from various Russian manufacturers: Almaz-Anteya offers the Pechora-2А variant, and Defense Systems JSC offers the С-125-2М Pechora-2М variant. To date, not only has the old systems been upgraded for these projects in a number of countries, but Russian enterprises have concluded a number of contracts for the supply of modified complexes to countries where C-125 was not in service (Myanmar, Venezuela).
Mobile PU ZRK C-125-2М “Pechora-2М” air defense of Venezuela
Until now, in many countries where Soviet-made air defense systems were supplied, their operation continues. This provides ample opportunities for their modernization and delivery of new complexes. However, for this you need to stop looking at the opinion of Washington.
Google Earth satellite image: ZRK position of Z-200VE ZRK in Iran
In 90-ies there was a global trend of decline in interest in air defense systems, slowing down the pace of production and the development of new complexes. Contrary to this trend in Israel at the same time, a number of new interesting patterns were created corresponding to the highest international standards. This is explained by the fact that by the middle of the 80's, the Israeli military-industrial complex had reached the necessary technological level, and the design engineers had gained some experience. In addition, Israel, in contrast to post-Soviet Russia, has never saved on basic scientific research and has generously paid high-class specialists, including from other countries. The development of its own air defense and missile defense systems in Israel was fueled by the traditionally hostile Arab environment and regular rocket attacks. A special threat was presented by the OTR available in neighboring countries and developed by MRBM capable of carrying warheads with weapons of mass destruction. Therefore, special emphasis was placed on the development of anti-missile systems.
Arrow anti-missile test launch
In 1990, the first test launch of the anti-missile Arrow, created jointly by experts from the American Corporation "Lockheed-Martin" and the Israeli firm IAI, took place. An enhanced version of the Arrow-2 as part of the Hets missile defense system was deployed in March 2000 at the Palmachim airbase, south of Tel Aviv. The second anti-missile battery was deployed and put on alert in October 2002 at Ein Shemer airbase. Deployed batteries, which are directly subordinate to the Israeli Air Defense Command, provide cover for up to 85% of the country. Arrow-2 anti-missiles are designed to destroy enemy missiles in the stratosphere. The Arrow-2 system is capable of detecting and tracking up to 12 targets simultaneously, as well as directing one of them to two anti-missile systems capable of speeding up to 2,5 km per second.
Satellite image of Google earth: the deployment of long-range anti-aircraft and anti-missile systems in Israel as of 2010 year
The territory of Israel is very well covered by a long-range air defense system, today it is the only state, most of whose territory is protected by a centralized missile defense system. Given the relatively small area of the state of Israel, the density of the location of the air defense system, he gets tired only of the Moscow region.
To protect against unguided tactical missiles at ranges from 4 to 70 kilometers, the Iron Dome tactical missile defense system (“Iron Dome”) is intended. The first battery went into combat duty in March 2011 of the year.
The Iron Dome launches a rocket during Operation Cloud Pillar
In the middle of the 2014 of the year, combat duty was carried by 9 batteries throughout Israel. By the end of 2014, the Iron Dome batteries had successfully shot down over 1000 missiles. The number of successfully intercepted targets is estimated at 85%. The system is capable of detecting a threat in 100% of cases, but the complex did not always succeed in destroying several simultaneously launched projectiles.
On the 2012 year, each launch of the Iron Dome missile system cost in 30 — 40 thousand US dollars, which is many times higher than the cost of any of the possible intercepted missiles. Thus, even with 100% efficiency, intercepting the attack is much more expensive than the cost of the attack itself. But the economic efficiency of the system lies in the fact that previously, when a rocket hit a residential quarter, the state paid at least one million shekels (about 250 000 dollars) of compensation to the city and its inhabitants.
During the "Second Lebanon War" in July-August, 2006 was launched around Israel around 4000 missiles, 1000 of which hit settlements. Only direct damage amounted to about 1,5 billion dollars. Using the Iron Dome would have cost 50 — 100 million dollars. The same can be seen on the example of the operation “Cast Lead”. Thus, in the event of a long-term conflict, the costs of missiles account for only 3 — 7% of the cost of possible damage. Confirmation of the effectiveness of the "Iron Dome" can be seen with the naked eye in the sky over Israeli cities.
In 2013, the developers of the Iron Dome reported that they managed to significantly reduce the price of interceptor missiles - up to several thousand dollars. The main reduction was achieved by simplifying the missile guidance system, which, incidentally, did not affect its effectiveness.
In November, 2012, representatives of the Israel Defense Forces reported on the successful testing of the “Trout David” missile defense system. The missile defense system designed to intercept medium-range missiles should be commissioned by the Israeli army in 2015.
The basis of the complex - anti-missile Stunner. This two-stage rocket is equipped with two guidance systems (optical-electronic and radar). "David's sling" is capable of hitting ballistic targets with a range from 70 to 300 kilometers. The new system is designed to deal with long-range missiles, missed missile defense systems "Hetz".
The September 11 attacks of 2001 revealed weak protection of the US territory from air attacks. Built with fighter-interceptor support, the air defense system was unable to counter all threats.
After the terrorist attacks, in which captured civilian airliners were used around a number of important objects, including the White House in Washington, the Avenger short-range air defense system was deployed.
Short-range air defense system "Avenger"
Mass deliveries of this complex to the troops began at the beginning of the 90's. Avenger is designed to hit air targets at 0,5-5,5 km distances, 0,5-3,8 km altitudes on heading courses and in pursuit. The complex is equipped with a Stinger MANPADS missile with a thermal homing head.
Placing the Avengers in the city center immediately after the attacks was rather a demonstration and psychological step designed to stop panic and calm public opinion. This complex could not intercept a multi-ton airliner at a safe distance from the protected object. In this regard, in the vicinity of Washington in May 2004, three SLAMRAAM launchers were placed. Thus, the capital has become the only object in the United States which is protected by medium-range air defense systems, carrying combat duty on an ongoing basis.
Satellite image of Google earth: the layout of the SLAMRAAM SAM system in the vicinity of Washington
SAM SLAMRAAM - this is the American version of the Norwegian-American complex NASAMS. A jointly developed complex created using the US air-to-air missile system AIM-120 AMRAAM entered service with the Norwegian Air Force in the middle of the 90's. SLAMRAAM SAM can hit air targets at a range - up to 40 km and at a height - up to 16 km.
PU SAM SLAMRAAM
SAM SLAMRAAM - this is the American version of the Norwegian-American complex NASAMS. A jointly developed complex created using the US air-to-air missile system AIM-120 AMRAAM entered service with the Norwegian Air Force in the middle of the 90's. SLAMRAAM SAM can hit air targets at a range - up to 40 km and at a height - up to 16 km.
In the first decade of the 21 century, the armed forces of many states expressed a desire to upgrade existing anti-aircraft systems. This was mainly due to the destabilizing role of the United States and the unleashing of a number of regional conflicts by this country. The intensification of the development and procurement of the air defense missile system is consistent with the characteristic of modern wars and conflicts, the continuous strengthening of the role of aviation and air attack weapons. As well as an increase in demand for funds intended to protect tactical ballistic missiles and operational-tactical ballistic missiles from attacks. Replacement of systems and air defense systems of previous generations due to their mass and complete obsolescence is ripe. In this regard, many countries have intensified work on the creation of their own medium-range and long-range air defense systems. Along the way, with an increase in defense capability, the independent development and production of anti-aircraft systems makes it possible to increase the national scientific and technical potential, create new jobs and reduce dependence on foreign arms manufacturers.
In 2000, the French short-range air defense system VL MICA was presented in Singapore at Asian Aerospace. SAM VL MICA developed on the basis of the MICA air-to-air missile. The complex is compact, high efficiency. The standard composition of ground-based VL MICA air defense system consists of four launchers, a command center of the complex and a radar detection system.
SAM VL MICA
The modular design of the MICA missile makes it possible to have in the ammunition package of the complex means of destruction with various homing systems and to use their advantages depending on the combat situation. The MICA missile can be equipped with an active pulse-Doppler radar homing head (MICA-EM) or thermal imaging (MICA-IR). The maximum firing range is 20 km, the maximum height of the targets hit is 10 km.
Initially, the 2000's in Israel completed the development of a short-range and medium-range Spyder mobile air defense system designed for air defense of ground forces units and infrastructure against aircraft, helicopter, cruise missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles. The complex ensures the defeat of single and group targets at any time of the day.
Mobile PU ZRK Spyder
SAM Spyder belongs to the family of anti-aircraft complexes, using as a means of destruction of aircraft missiles. A feature of the complex is the presence in its ammunition of rockets with different homing systems - a guided Derby missile with an active radar seeker and a Phyton missile with a thermal seeker. This combination ensures the all-weather, stealthness and effectiveness of the combat use of the complex at a distance of 35 km.
The complex includes: a command post, a radar station, self-propelled launchers with four TLC missiles and transport-loading machines. Elements of the air defense missile system are installed on the chassis of the vehicle.
The Israeli anti-aircraft missile system "Spider" is actively promoting the international arms market. Currently in the SPYDER-SR version it is in service with the ground forces of Georgia, India, Singapore and Azerbaijan.
One of the latest Israeli developments was the Barak-8 SAM system, which is a variant of the ship complex adapted for ground air defense. The Barak-8 rocket is a two-stage solid-propellant missile defense system with a length of 4,5 m, equipped with an active homing system. The rocket is launched using a vertical launcher and is capable of intercepting a target at a distance of 70-80 km in difficult weather conditions at any time of the day. After launch, the rocket receives target designation from the radar guidance. On approaching the target, the ZUR activates the radar seeker.
Together with the three European states, France, Italy and the UK, the SAMP-T ZRS was created. This development envisaged the creation of a universal land-based and sea-based system based on Aster 15 / 30 missiles, capable of fighting both aircraft and ballistic targets. The design and testing of the system lasted more than 20 years, and reached the final stretch only in the 2000-s. Prior to this, the characteristics of the system, and its fate were very vague.
Test start Zur Aster 30
As a result, the developers managed to create an air defense system that is capable of creating competition for the American Patriot air defense system. Tests conducted in 2011-2014 years confirmed the ability of SAMP-T SAMs to fight both air targets at a distance of 3-100 km, flying at an altitude up to 25 km and intercept ballistic missiles at a distance of 3-35 km.
SAMP-T ZRS is able to conduct circular shooting at 360 degrees, has a modular design and highly maneuverable rockets. This system is already in trial operation in France and in Italy.
What is called the Franco-Italian system SAMP-T "comes on the heels" of the MEADS. The development of the system is carried out in the interests of three states: the USA, Germany and Italy. To date, the United States has invested a billion dollars in the development of the 1,5 complex. The MEADS system is capable of firing two types of missiles: PAC-3 MSE and IRIS-T SL. The first is an upgraded version of the PAC-3 rocket and is used in the Patriot air defense system, the second is the ground version of the German air-to-air melee rocket IRIS-T. The fully equipped unit consists of one circular radar station, two fire control machines, six mobile launchers with 12 missiles.
MEADS ZRS
According to preliminary specifications, the new air and missile defense system will be capable of striking both aircraft and tactical medium-range ballistic missiles with a range of up to 1000 kilometers. Initially, MEADS was created to replace the Patriot air defense system. Currently, the anti-aircraft system is in the process of debugging and control tests. As expected, the MEADS ZRS can be fitted into the 2018 year.
To be continued ...
Based on:
http://rbase.new-factoria.ru
http://geimint.blogspot.ru/
http://www.designation-systems.net/
http://www.ausairpower.net/APA-PLA-Div-ADS.html
ARTICLES FROM THIS SERIES:
Development and role of air defense missile systems in the air defense system. Part 1
Development and role of air defense missile systems in the air defense system. Part 2
Development and role of air defense missile systems in the air defense system. Part 3
Development and role of air defense missile systems in the air defense system. Part 4
Development and role of air defense missile systems in the air defense system. Part 5
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