The first anti-aircraft missile systems (SAM) - Soviet S-25, S-75 and American MIM-3 "Nike-Ajax", MIM-14 "Nike-Hercules" - created in the 50s - were intended mainly to combat strategic bombers at medium and high altitudes. Anti-aircraft systems of the first generation successfully solved the main task set during their creation - to ensure the defeat of high-altitude high-speed targets that are difficult to intercept by fighter aircraft and inaccessible to cannon anti-aircraft artillery. At the same time, the minimum height of the affected zones of the first air defense systems was 1-3 km. Such parameters of the lower boundary of the affected area made it possible for air attack weapons to break through to protected objects, primarily this related to tactical and carrier-based attack aircraft capable of flying at extremely low altitudes.
The armed conflicts of the 60s demonstrated that Israeli and American aircraft, avoiding being hit by the S-75 air defense missile systems, switched to low-altitude flights. Anticipating this state of affairs, taking into account the explosive rate of development of combat aviation at that time, the developers of anti-aircraft systems began to create low-altitude complexes back in the mid-50s.
The American low-altitude air defense system MIM-23 "Hawk" was adopted in 1960, four years earlier than the Soviet S-125 (more details here: Low-altitude air defense system S-125). Compared with the purely stationary S-25 and the very limited mobility of the S-75, whose combat assets were often deployed on capital concrete positions, when creating the S-125 low-altitude air defense system, more attention was paid to increasing fire performance and mobility. All equipment was housed in towed car trailers and semi-trailers. The S-125 air defense missile system included: a missile guidance station (SNR-125), transported launchers (PU), transport-charging vehicles with missiles (TZM), an interface cabin and diesel generator sets.
In the formation of the technical appearance of the new Soviet low-altitude complex, the accumulated experience in the creation and operation of previously created anti-aircraft systems was used. Taking into account the need to detect, track and fire targets flying at low altitudes, the reflection of the radar signal from local objects created a big problem. Thanks to the introduction of a number of new technical solutions that were not previously used in Soviet air defense systems, the designers managed to reduce the lower boundary of the affected area in the first version of the complex to 200 meters, later on the modernized C-125M1 (C-125M1A) "Neva-M1" complex with anti-aircraft guided missiles (SAM) 5V27D this figure was 25 meters.
The S-125 became the first anti-aircraft complex of the country's air defense forces with solid-propellant anti-aircraft missiles. The use of solid fuel in SAM engines has a number of significant advantages over anti-aircraft missiles fueled with liquid fuel and an oxidizer. It is known that the first Soviet S-25 and S-75 air defense systems with liquid-fueled missiles were very expensive to operate. Filling missiles with toxic fuel and a caustic oxidizer was a very dangerous business. When the components of the fuel and oxidizer came into contact, they instantly ignited spontaneously. The slightest carelessness in the actions of calculations or technical malfunction could lead to a fire and explosion. Unfortunately, during the operation of Soviet complexes of the first generation with liquid-propellant missiles, there have been many tragic cases of death of servicemen as a result of explosions, fires and poisoning. Transporting fueled liquid anti-aircraft missiles was only possible over relatively short distances, on good hard roads and at limited speeds. Solid-propellant missiles are devoid of these disadvantages, the S-125 air defense system has become significantly cheaper, easier and safer to operate, the need for a bulky refueling complex has disappeared, the mobility and the number of missiles ready for use on the launcher have increased.
In the first versions of the S-125, launchers were used for two missiles. For the modernized S-125M air defense system, a transportable four-beam PU 5P73 (SM-106) was adopted, which doubled the number of ready-to-use missiles in the anti-aircraft missile battalion (ZDN).
In order to increase combat efficiency and improve service and operational properties, the complex has been repeatedly modernized. At the same time, noise immunity was improved and the launch range was increased. In the S-125M1 (S-125M1A) "Neva-M1" air defense missile system, the possibility of tracking and firing air targets in conditions of visual visibility with the "Karat-2" television-optical sighting equipment was introduced, which significantly facilitated the combat work on jamming aircraft and increased survival of the complex.
The S-125 air defense system in the course of numerous local conflicts has demonstrated high combat effectiveness and reliability, becoming, along with the S-75, one of the most frequently used anti-aircraft systems in a combat situation. A number of third world countries, in view of the low cost and relatively low operating costs, preferred the Soviet S-125 air defense systems, abandoning other, more long-range complexes. SAM C-125 of various modifications were in service in: Algeria, Angola, Afghanistan, Bulgaria, Hungary, Vietnam, East Germany, Egypt, Zambia, India, Iraq, Yemen, Cambodia, North Korea, Cuba, Laos, Libya, Mali, Mozambique, Peru, Poland, Romania, Syria, Tanzania, Finland, Czechoslovakia, Ethiopia, Yugoslavia. About 400 S-125 air defense systems of various modifications in the export version "Pechora" were delivered to foreign customers and were used in a number of armed conflicts and local wars. In the "tropical" version, the complex had a special paint and varnish coating for repelling insects.
According to American data, at the time of the collapse of the Soviet Union, the USSR Air Defense Forces had about 250 S-125 air defense systems in deployed form and "in storage", about a third of them were relatively "fresh" S-125M1 "Neva-M1" complexes with television and optical channel and portable radar simulators "Double". Despite the fact that these complexes still possessed a very significant resource and modernization potential, in the mid-90s they began to be massively decommissioned. Our then military-political leadership, having given the order for the "disposal" and sending "for storage" of hundreds of air defense systems, left without anti-aircraft cover the most important defense facilities, industrial and administrative centers.
In the USSR, air defense missiles armed with S-125 complexes, as a rule, were part of mixed air defense brigades together with the S-75 and S-200 air defense systems, ensuring the defeat of breaking low-altitude targets. This was especially true in the coastal - border areas, where the S-125, in addition to air, could ensure the defeat of ground and surface targets, including missiles with a "special" warhead.
After the collapse of the USSR, a number of S-125 air defense systems remained in the territories of the former Soviet republics. Ukraine was the most fortunate in this regard (more details here: State of Ukraine's Air Defense).
In 1991, the ZRV units of the 8th Air Defense Army included 18 anti-aircraft missile regiments and anti-aircraft missile brigades, which included 132 air defense missiles. Independent Ukraine got about 40 sufficiently "fresh" S-125 air defense systems with a large stock of missiles, spare parts and components. Taking advantage of this, the Ukrainian authorities began to actively trade in the Soviet legacy at dumping prices. Georgia received the S-125 repaired in Ukraine, but in the 2008 conflict, these complexes were not used due to the Georgians' inability to control them. It was repeatedly reported about the supply of S-125 air defense systems and their individual elements to African countries, including those where there were active hostilities. So Uganda purchased from Ukraine four S-125 air defense systems and 300 missiles in 2008. Subsequently, these anti-aircraft systems ended up in the belligerent South Sudan. Another well-known customer of the Ukrainian S-125 air defense systems was Angola, which received a batch of Ukrainian complexes under a contract concluded in 2010.
In Ukraine itself, the S-125 air defense system was on alert until 2005. In April 2015, there were reports of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense's intention to adopt the modernized S-125-2D Pechora-2D anti-aircraft missile system, created on the basis of the late modification of the C-125M1.
S-125-2D "Pechora-2D" air defense system modernized in Ukraine
During the modernization of the air defense system to the level of C-125-2D "Pechora-2D", all fixed assets of the complex were revised. This modernization option was developed in Kiev at the NPP Aerotechnika-MLT enterprise, was tested in 2010 and was originally intended for export. According to the developers, the resource of the air defense missile system was increased by 15 years, the tasks of increasing the reliability, mobility, survivability of the complex and resistance to radio-electronic interference were solved.
Antenna post SAM S-125-2D "Pechora-2D"
When showing the S-125-2D "Pechora-2D" air defense system, the Ukrainian leadership was told that this complex was designed to solve the problems of air defense in the ATO zone. For this, all components of the S-125-2D air defense system (including the antenna post and launchers) will be located on the mobile base, but there is no real confirmation of this information yet. It seems that, despite the loud propaganda statements on television, the modernized S-125, if put on alert, will be used for on-site air defense - outside the combat zone. The adoption of modernized models, originally intended for export, into service in Ukraine is a purely forced measure. This is due to the desire to somehow cover the gaps in the air defense, formed due to the extreme wear and tear of the Ukrainian S-300PT / PS air defense systems.
At the international exhibition of arms and military equipment MILEX-2014, held in Minsk from July 9 to 12, 2014, the Belarusian version of the modernization of the S-125 air defense system - S-125-2TM Pechora-2TM was demonstrated.
Belarusian S-125-2TM "Pechora-2TM"
If you believe the advertising information, thanks to the use of new missile guidance methods and principles of radar signal processing, a modern optoelectronic system and a number of other improvements, the probability of hitting a target with one missile has been increased, two-channel targeting has been implemented, noise immunity has been increased, and the boundaries of the affected area have been expanded. According to information published in the media, contracts for the modernization of the C-125-2ТМ "Pechora-2ТМ" variant were concluded with Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan.
Apparently, the modernization programs for the S-125 air defense systems in Ukraine and Belarus intensified after the commercial success of the deeply modernized Russian C-125-2M Pechora-2M air defense system, which appeared in 2000, developed by Defense Systems OJSC.
All components of the S-125-2M "Pechora-2M" air defense missile system are located on mobile chassis. Due to the replacement of most of the element base with a solid-state one, the reliability of the complex has increased, and operating costs have decreased. The use of new equipment and other principles of radar information processing made it possible to multiply the noise immunity of the modernized air defense system. "Pechora-2M" has the ability to interface with surveillance radars and higher command post via telecode channels. Effective firing at cruise missiles and the simultaneous use of two guidance stations for different targets is provided. It became possible to use the teleoptic channel not only during the day, but also at night. For the modernized anti-aircraft systems supplied to foreign customers, a complex of radio-technical protection (CRTZ) from anti-radar missiles (PLR) was introduced.
Specialists of MKB Fakel, which has been part of the Almaz-Antey Air Defense Concern since 2002, carried out a set of works to modernize the missile defense system, the new version of the rocket was designated 5V27DE. Thanks to the use of a more efficient fuel formulation in the starting and accelerating engine, the boundary of the affected area in terms of range and height has increased. The use of solid-state miniature element base made it possible to significantly reduce the weight of onboard equipment elements and free up internal volumes. The mass of the warhead increased by 1.5 times, which increased the likelihood of hitting the target.
At a very low price, the capabilities of the modernized S-125-2M "Pechora-2M" air defense system have increased several times, which made the complex attractive for poor customers from the "Third World" countries and the CIS republics. It was reported about the concluded contracts for the supply or modernization of the existing C-125 customers with Armenia, Egypt, Syria, Libya, Myanmar, Vietnam, Venezuela, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Ethiopia.
Satellite image of Google earth: Tajik air defense system S-125-2M "Pechora-2M" in the suburb of Dushanbe
Egypt was one of the first foreign operators of the S-125 "Pechora" complexes. In the 60-70s, 44 S-125 air defense systems and 1808 V-601P missiles were delivered to this country from the USSR. For a long time, the S-125 "Pechora", along with the S-75M "Volga", formed the basis of the country's air defense systems. As in the case of the S-75 air defense system, most of the low-altitude S-125 was deployed along the Suez Canal.
Satellite image of Google earth: Egyptian air defense system C-125 near the Suez Canal
In the first half of the 80s, there was a need to repair and modernize the Egyptian air defense systems "Pechora". If China helped Egypt with the S-75 air defense system, which established the repair of equipment and the production of missiles at local production facilities, then French and Israeli contractors had to be involved in organizing work on the C-125. As a result, it was possible to carry out only a "small" modernization and organize a medium refurbishment of the low-altitude S-125 air defense systems available in Egypt. In the 90s, the situation with the Egyptian S-125 became even more aggravated, it was aggravated by the fact that in Egypt they operated mainly heavily worn out complexes of the first modifications, the element base of which consisted mostly of electrovacuum devices, the production of which was discontinued long ago, and a large part of the existing missiles became unusable. The first agreement on the modernization of Egyptian anti-aircraft systems was concluded in 1999 with the Russian-Belarusian consortium "Defense Systems". In 2008, Egypt became the first recipient of the fundamentally updated S-125-2M "Pechora-2M" air defense systems.
In 2001, Poland demonstrated a modernized version of the C-125 under the designation - "Newa SC". In order to extend the service life and increase the MTBF, part of the equipment with the old analogue element base was replaced with a digital one. To increase mobility, four-beam launchers are mounted on the chassis of T-55 tanks, and the guidance station - CHR-125 - on the MAZ-543 4-axle chassis (previously used as a chassis for OTR R-17 launchers). According to independent expert estimates, the Polish version of the modernization of the S-125 air defense system is significantly inferior in its capabilities to the complexes modernized in Russia and Belarus.
There were no export orders for the "Newa SC", 17 Polish S-125s were modernized for their own air defense forces. Most of the "Newa SC" air defense systems available in Poland are not on constant combat duty and appear in prepared positions several times a year during exercises. An exception is the air defense missile system deployed on the shores of the Baltic Sea 15 km west of Gdynia. Apparently, the proud Polish lords keep it here in connection with the proximity of the Kaliningrad region as a defense of their naval base from the "Russian threat".
Satellite image of Google earth: Polish air defense system "Newa SC" at a position near Gdynia
Oddly enough, but the S-125 air defense system was preserved in Moldova. One air defense system is deployed near Chisinau in the area of the Bachoi airfield. The effectiveness of the not modernized Moldovan complex against modern combat aviation raises reasonable doubts. It is unclear with whom the Moldovan anti-aircraft gunners were going to fight with the help of the only air defense system. Moreover, there is no permanent radar field over the territory of Moldova.
Moldavian air defense system S-125 in the area of the Bachoi airfield
But this does not prevent the Moldovan military from regularly demonstrating, among other military equipment and weapons, anti-aircraft missiles on a transport-loading vehicle during military parades in Chisinau.
In other republics of the former USSR, where the S-125 air defense systems are still on combat duty, they have either already undergone modernization, or it is planned in the near future. This applies to the Transcaucasian republics - Armenia and Azerbaijan, and the Central Asian - Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Although Armenia, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan receive from Russia relatively modern S-300P air defense systems, they are in no hurry to part with well-mastered personnel, inexpensive in operation and still quite effective S-125 anti-aircraft systems. And Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan do not have enough financial resources to acquire modern systems, especially since within the framework of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) it is always possible to agree to carry out modernization on credit, or even free of charge.
SAM S-125 in the suburbs of Tashkent
An unprecedented number of S-125M "Pechora-M" air defense systems were delivered to India during the Soviet era; in total, this country had 60 S-125 anti-aircraft systems and more than 1,500 missiles for them. Almost all Indian air defense systems were deployed at air bases in the northwestern states along the border with Pakistan. Apparently, the Indians decided not to upgrade their existing S-125s, some of these complexes are still in positions, but already without missiles on the launchers.
One of the main users of the S-125 air defense system in Asia remains the DPRK. North Korea in the mid-80s received 6 S-125M1A "Pechora-M1A" air defense systems and 216 V-601PD missiles. But unlike Vietnam, which ordered the modernization of the S-125-2M "Pechora-2M" variant, the modernization of North Korean anti-aircraft systems in Russia is impossible for political reasons. It is unlikely that the leadership of our country will want to once again exacerbate relations with the United States, Japan and South Korea because of an unpredictable Far Eastern neighbor that regularly conducts nuclear and missile tests.
Currently, on the American continent, the S-125M "Pechora" air defense systems are operated in Peru. In 1979, 11 low-altitude complexes were sent to this country. They were on alert in the vicinity of air bases and covered the borders with Chile and Ecuador.
Launcher of the Peruvian air defense system S-125M at a position in the vicinity of the Ilo airfield
In 1987, the Peruvian S-125M air defense systems and V-601PD air defense systems underwent maintenance and modernization at stage 3. These measures were carried out by mobile teams of Soviet specialists and allowed to significantly extend the service life of the complexes. But at present, there are no more than three operational air defense systems of this type left in the Peruvian armed forces.
Satellite image of Google earth: Peruvian C-125, deployed near the Chilean border
The Peruvian military has repeatedly raised the issue of carrying out refurbishment and cardinal modernization of the existing C-125. Russian-Peruvian talks on this topic took place in 2010-2012. But due to a shortage of funds and a small number of operational complexes in Peru, the parties failed to agree.
In the 70s-80s Cuba received 28 S-125M / S-125M1A "Pechora" air defense systems and 1257 V-601PD missiles. These anti-aircraft complexes covered ports, airfields, large garrisons and Soviet facilities on the "Island of Freedom". Currently, the Cuban air defense forces have 3 low-altitude complexes at their disposal, but they are not on constant alert and there are no missiles on the launchers.
In Soviet times, anti-aircraft systems were supplied in very large volumes to African countries and the Middle East. In the mid-80s, 4 S-125M Pechora-M air defense systems, 8 S-125M1A Pechora-M1A air defense systems and 432 V-601PD missiles were sent to Algeria. Until 2016, 5 anti-aircraft complexes survived. At the moment, they are covering the capital and major air force bases. But apparently, the Algerian armed forces are experiencing a shortage of anti-aircraft missiles, satellite images show that the number of missiles on the launcher is minimal.
Satellite image of Google earth: Algerian air defense system C-125 in the vicinity of Booster airfield
Neighboring Libya had 44 S-125M / S-125M1A "Pechora" air defense systems, 1542 B-601PD missiles were attached to them. Until the end of the 80s of the last century, the Libyan air defense systems and air defense systems underwent regular maintenance. To restore and modernize the S-125M / S-125M1A, missile arsenals, repair and diagnostic shops were built in Tripoli.
But in 1990-2000, the Libyan leadership stopped paying due attention to maintaining and improving the centralized air defense system built according to Soviet patterns, and it fell into decay. By the time the NATO countries started aggression against Libya, no more than 10 low-altitude complexes remained in service.
Satellite image of Google earth: SAM C-125, destroyed in the vicinity of Tripoli
The Libyan anti-aircraft systems, who did not have the necessary skills and motivation, did not put up any resistance to the aviation of the Western coalition and all the air defense systems were destroyed in the first days from the beginning of the air strikes or were captured by the rebels.
Subsequently, a lot of videos and photographs appeared on the network in which the Islamists who seized the S-125 air defense system, unable to use them for their intended purpose, are remaking the air defense missile system for firing at ground targets.
The relatively small weight and size characteristics of the V-601PD solid-propellant missiles make it possible to use them from mobile launchers in the "ground-to-ground" version. To do this, the front stabilizers are removed from the missiles, and the self-destruction device and radio fuses are turned off. At the head of the missile defense system, a contact detonator of percussion action is installed, which detonates a standard fragmentation warhead. During the battles between Libyan radical groups, anti-aircraft missiles at ground targets were launched both from towed launchers and from various armored vehicles. With such an application of missiles, the launch range is several kilometers and firing is possible only at area targets.
Prior to the 1991 Gulf War, Iraq's air defense system was integrated into a single command, control and communications network. Before the imposition of an international arms embargo against Iraq in 1990, this country received 40 S-125M Pechora-M / S-125M1A Pechora-M1A air defense systems from the Soviet Union and 2320 V-601PD missiles. As of 2003, the Iraqi air defense system has been greatly weakened. After being subjected to massive attacks by the American-British aviation, the main part of the Iraqi air defense systems was disabled or destroyed, and could not influence the course of hostilities.
Until the end of the 1980s, Syria, within the framework of military-technical cooperation with the USSR, received 47 S-125M / S-125M1A Pechora air defense systems and 1,820 V-601PD missiles. As in Libya, repair and restoration enterprises, checkpoints and classrooms were built in the SAR. The Syrian leadership, despite its modest financial capabilities, allocated resources to improve and maintain the combat readiness of the air defense forces at the proper level. Modernization in Russia of some of the most recent systems to the level of C-125-2M "Pechora-2M" allowed extending the service life and increasing the combat potential.
Satellite image of Google earth: Syrian air defense system C-125-2M "Pechora-2M" in position in Latakia
The civil war in the SAR, provoked by the Western countries, had the most detrimental effect on the state of the Syrian air defense system. Although the S-125 systems suffered less than the S-75 liquid air defense systems, a certain number of S-125s were destroyed in positions during artillery and mortar attacks and attacks by Islamic militants.
In Yemen, before the start of the civil war, there were four S-125M1A "Pechora" air defense systems in the ranks. In total, 6 low-altitude anti-aircraft systems and 250 V-601PD missiles were delivered to this country in the 80s. By the beginning of 2016, all Yemeni C-125s had been destroyed in raids by Saudi and American aircraft.
In tropical Africa, C-125s are still in operation in Angola, Zambia, Tanzania and Mozambique. The last known case of the C-125's combat use on the African continent took place during the Ethiopo-Eritrean conflict in 2000.
For the first time, Western experts were able to get acquainted in detail with the Egyptian S-125 air defense systems in the first half of the 70s. But much more interesting were the modernized complexes that were in service with the air defense units of the Warsaw Pact countries.
After the end of the Cold War, a significant part of the S-125 ended up at the training grounds of the United States and European NATO countries. Our "partners" were interested in the characteristics of the maneuverability of missiles, the real zones of destruction when operating against cruise missiles and the noise immunity of the complexes. Operational guidance stations - CHR-125 are still used at American training grounds during exercises of tactical aviation of the Air Force, carrier-based aircraft of the Navy and the USMC. This means that air defense systems of the S-125 family are still considered as posing a real threat to American military aviation. The high combat and modernization potential laid down by Soviet designers, in the case of modernization using a modern element base, can significantly increase the capabilities of the complex and extend the service life by 10-15 years.
