Russia’s S-400 Air Defense System Proves Effective Against Ukrainian Air Raids
The Russian Defense Ministry has reported that approximately 200 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles were shot down during a recent Ukrainian air raid on Russian regions. The ministry employed combined air-defense battalions, including the Pantsir and Tor surface-to-air missile systems, as well as the long- and medium-range S-400 Triumf surface-to-air missile system. The S-400 system has demonstrated its capability in repelling attacks, including intercepting Western-made ballistic and cruise missiles such as ATACMS and Storm Shadow.
On November 18, the Ukrainian Armed Forces launched an attack on Voronezh with four ATACMS missiles, which were intercepted by S-400 systems and Pantsir missile and gun systems. The debris from the intercepted missiles damaged several buildings, but there were no casualties. The S-400 system is capable of engaging targets at ranges up to 60km and altitudes up to 25km, with the ability to intercept hypersonic missiles traveling at speeds of up to 4.8 kilometers per second.
The S-400 system has also proven effective in combating guided rockets from the HIMARS multiple launch rocket system and has even destroyed surface-to-air guided missiles from the American MIM-104 Patriot system. This summer, Russian air-defense troops shot down about two dozen Western-made missiles that were attempting to strike Russian Aerospace Forces aircraft. The S-400 system’s ability to intercept maneuvering surface-to-air missiles has been particularly notable, with the Russian Ministry of Defense reporting that it demonstrates the highest effectiveness in such interceptions.
The S-400 Triumf is considered one of the most modern and effective surface-to-air missile systems in the world, with its range and ability to use different types of missiles making it a powerful air-defense system. Its performance parameters have been confirmed in real combat conditions, and it has attracted interest from foreign customers, including China, Türkiye, and India. In 2017, a contract was signed to supply the Triumf to Türkiye, and in 2018, a $5.43 billion contract was signed to supply India with five regimental sets of the S-400 system.
As Russian President Vladimir Putin prepares to visit India on December 4-5, 2025, there is speculation that the countries will discuss new deliveries of the S-400 system, as well as other proven and prospective weaponry. The S-400 system’s effectiveness in combat has reinforced its significance as a key component of Russia’s air defense capabilities, and its export to other countries has solidified its position as a leading surface-to-air missile system globally.
