The recognized world leaders in the field of anti-aircraft missile systems are deservedly Russia and the United States. The S-400 and Patriot PAC-3 systems can be considered the newest, most advanced and well-known of their developments in this area. Although these complexes, by definition, cannot meet each other in battle and, moreover, will not attack each other, we should expect the traditional question "who will beat whom?" Not being opponents in the context of a military clash, the two complexes turn out to be competitors from a technical point of view, and in addition, they are fighting for the same sector of the arms market.
The Patriot PAC-3 and S-400 air defense systems belong to the class of object air defense systems designed to protect large areas from enemy aircraft and ballistic missiles. At the same time, they are the newest representatives of their class, brought by the two countries to exploitation in the troops. Thus, their comparison in terms of technical characteristics and combat capabilities is quite correct and makes sense.
Russian air defense system S-400 in position. Photo of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation
Continuing traditions
The Russian S-400 complex can be considered a further development of ideas and solutions used in older technology. In fact, it is a continuation of the S-300P air defense missile system, designed to cover important objects. Since the end of the eighties, the domestic industry has consistently created and brought into service the S-300PM, S-300PM-1 and S-300PM-2 complexes. In addition, such products were offered for export.
Further development of the "PM" line was supposed to be the S-300PM-3 complex. The project was developed by the Almaz-Antey Aerospace Defense Concern. The widest application of the latest developments led to the appearance of significant differences, in connection with which the next complex received its own designation S-400 and the name "Triumph". It was under these names that it was put into service and is now being offered to foreign customers.
Command post and detection radar from the S-400. Photo of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation
The MIM-104F Patriot PAC-3 complex was also not developed from scratch. The first systems of the Patriot family were put on alert back in the mid-eighties. Since then, several major upgrades have been carried out, aimed at improving performance in general and at obtaining certain capabilities. For example, during the Gulf War, the complexes of the newest version of the PAC-2 failed to cope with the task of combating operational-tactical ballistic missiles.
In the next project PAC-3 / MIM-104F, the negative experience of the past conflict was taken into account, as a result of which the combat qualities of the air defense system improved. During the 2003 war in Iraq, the modernized complexes managed to shoot down several missiles. However, there were some tragedies. Three friendly planes were shot down by mistake.
Technical aspects: S-400
The basic structure of the S-400 / 40R6 complex includes several main components made on self-propelled chassis and semi-trailers. The complex can enter the position in the shortest possible time and prepare for the subsequent combat work. The complex includes a command post 55K6E and a radar complex 91N6E. These means can operate with six batteries, each having one 92N6E multifunctional radar and up to 12 5P85TE2 or 5P85SE2 launchers with four missiles each. The technical support is assigned to the components of the 30TS6E system.
Antenna device on a lifting mast. Photo of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation
The ammunition load of the S-400 air defense system can include guided anti-aircraft missiles of a number of types. Compatibility with the existing 48N6E, 48N6E2 and 48N6E3 missiles, previously created within the S-300PM family, was retained. Also, new samples were created - 9M96E, 9M96E2 and 40N6E. Rockets differ in flight characteristics and are designed to work on various aerodynamic or ballistic targets. A characteristic feature of the S-400, like its predecessors, is the vertical launch of the missile with a further turn towards the target.
The standard radar equipment of the complex allows you to monitor the air situation in a large area, including at high altitudes. So, the 91N6E early detection radar is capable of detecting a large enemy aircraft at a distance of up to 580-600 km. For smaller objects, the range is proportionally reduced. A ballistic target such as a medium-range missile warhead is detected at a distance of up to 200-230 km. T. N. an all-altitude detector of the 96L6E type provides search for targets at altitudes up to 100 km and complements the early warning radar.
Command post 55K6E and multifunctional radar 92N6E are designed to process incoming data, form target traces and control fire. According to known data, the automation of the standard composition is capable of simultaneously attacking up to 80 targets. At the same time, up to 160 guided missiles are simultaneously aimed at them using signals from the ground.
Multifunctional radar 92N6A. Photo Vitalykuzmin.net
The most important feature of the S-400 is the ability of the complex to operate as part of an echeloned air defense system. The complex can receive data on the air situation from other means of detection, as well as transmit information to various consumers. Due to such capabilities, it is possible to build a unified air defense system covering large areas with the help of complexes of different classes.
The S-400 air defense system can use medium and long-range missiles of the 48N6E, 48N6E2 and 48N6E3 types, previously created for the S-300PM. These products, which are quite large in size, carry a warhead weighing 145, 150 and 180 kg, respectively. They are capable of hitting targets at ranges up to 150-250 km and altitudes up to 25-27 km. All such missiles have a semi-active radar seeker with a radio correction function. Such weapons are intended to destroy aerodynamic targets.
The calculation of the complex takes its place. Photo of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation
There are also newer missiles. So, the 9M96M product is capable of delivering a 24-kg warhead to the target at a distance of more than 130 km. Altitude - from several meters to 35 km. Guidance is carried out using an active radar head. The 9M96E2 missile differs in a shorter range and a height of destruction - up to 40 and 20 kg, respectively. The 9M100 is capable of attacking air targets at distances of no more than 15 km.
Of greatest interest in the S-400 project is the 40N6E ultra-long-range missile. This weapon uses active or semi-active homing, with which it can destroy an aircraft at a record range of up to 400 km and an altitude of up to 30 km.
The simultaneous use of several types of anti-aircraft missiles gives the S-400 complex unique combat capabilities. Depending on the type of target detected and other factors, the air defense system can use the most effective missile in this situation. According to the manufacturer, S-400 missiles are capable of destroying an aerodynamic target at a distance of up to 400 km. Ballistic targets at speeds up to 4.8 km / s can be attacked from 60 km. The correct organization of detection means allows you to monitor the situation and timely find targets to be destroyed.
Model of anti-aircraft missile 48N6E3. Photo Vitalykuzmin.net
Technical aspects: Patriot
From a certain point of view, the American air defense system is similar to a Russian competitor. This complex is also built on an automobile and towed chassis, which allows it to be brought into a combat position and prepared for work in a minimum time. The composition of the complex was determined even during the creation of its first modification, and has not undergone any significant changes since then.
The general coordination of combat work and communication with other complexes or command is carried out by the AN / MSQ-104 fire control point. The standard means of target detection and missile guidance is the AN / MPQ-53 multifunctional radar. Together with them, the batteries include self-propelled launchers M-901. With their help, MIM-104 anti-aircraft missiles and ERINT anti-aircraft missiles are launched.
Product 9M100E. Photo Vitalykuzmin.net
The AN / MPQ-53 radar is located on a semi-trailer with all the necessary equipment and is designed to search for targets and guide missiles. The phased array provides tracking of a 90 ° sector in azimuth from 0 ° to 90 ° in elevation. When firing, the operation mode is used with a horizontal sector up to 110 ° wide. The maximum detection range of a high-altitude target is determined at 170 km. The AN / MSQ-104 radar and control center provide detection, identification and tracking of 125 air targets in the entire range and altitude. It also provides simultaneous guidance of missiles at eight targets, three for each.
An interesting feature of the Patriot is the ability to interact with third-party detection tools. Data on the air situation can come from both other radars and long-range radar aircraft. In this case, an operation mode can be used in which the complex's own station is turned on only before the launch of the rocket, which should increase its survivability.
Fixed assets of the Patriot complex. Photo Wikimedia Commons
Launchers of the M-901 type are equipped with 4 or 16 transport and launch containers of anti-aircraft missiles, providing an inclined launch. It is assumed that such a launch option accelerates the exit to the required trajectory. In addition, the placement of several launchers "in a fan" or in a circle should provide protection of the area in all directions with overlapping areas of responsibility of different M-901 machines.
As the project developed, the MIM-104 rocket underwent several upgrades, as a result of which a number of modifications entered service. In the latest versions, missiles have the ability to destroy aerodynamic and some ballistic targets and differ from their predecessors in increased performance. The latest missile options are equipped with a semi-active radar seeker and carry a 91-kg warhead with a launch weight of 912 kg. The maximum firing range at aircraft is limited to 100 km and is to some extent related to the capabilities of the guidance radar. The firing range at a ballistic target is 20 km. The minimum height of the defeat reaches 100 m, the maximum - 25 km.
During the war in the Persian Gulf, the Patriot PAC-2 air defense system showed insufficient anti-missile potential, which is why the development of a promising specialized missile was launched. By the beginning of the 2000s, the PAC-3 version complex, supplemented with an ERINT rocket, entered service. Such a rocket is almost three times lighter than the standard MIM-104 (316 kg) and is equipped with an active radar seeker. It has a light high-explosive warhead, but the main method of interception is kinetic with direct collision with the target. The ERINT missile firing range reaches 20 km at a similar altitude.
Radar AN / MPQ-53 of the Bundeswehr. Photo Wikimedia Commons
Depending on the assigned combat missions, the battery of the "Patriot" version of the PAC-3 can have missiles of different modifications and types. The M-901 launchers carry TPK with MIM-104 and ERINT products. At the same time, larger anti-aircraft missiles fit only four per installation; the ammunition load of compact ERINT is four times larger.
Competition technique
It is easy to see that the Russian-developed anti-aircraft complex under consideration is significantly superior to the American competitor. For all the main technical and combat characteristics, the S-400 has significant advantages over the MIM-104 Patriot PAC-3. First of all, this is expressed in a greater target detection range and a longer missile flight range.
In defense of the Patriot, it should be noted that its modification PAC-3 has been in service since the late nineties, while the S-400 began to enter the army only in the second half of the two thousandth. However, not the biggest difference in age cannot explain such a serious lag in terms of characteristics.
Launcher M-901 complex Patriot PAC-3 on duty, February 2013 Photo by US Army
The version about other requirements imposed by the customer looks much more logical. The US Army probably does not see the point in object air defense with a firing range of hundreds of kilometers. Indeed, American geography and strategy make it possible to get by with shorter-range systems in certain situations. This version explains the lag in performance, but still leaves the question of the ability of the US industry to create a complex of the S-400 level.
Commercial potential
Initially, the Patriot and the S-400 were created for the needs of the American and Russian armies, respectively, but soon they were able to become the subject of export contracts. Modern anti-aircraft missile systems have high performance and therefore are of interest to foreign customers. However, they are distinguished by a considerable price, which makes buyers think. And yet, both the S-400 and the Patriot PAC-3 managed to get into foreign armies.
Launcher during deployment to position. US Army Photos
Back in 2015, an agreement appeared for the supply of several S-400 regiments of the People's Liberation Army of China. The Russian defense industry was loaded with domestic orders, and therefore the first export complexes were shipped only this year. At the same time, back in 2016, two divisions went to the Belarusian army.
Several countries at once also wish to order Russian air defense systems. According to officials and the press of different states, the S-400 can go to India, Iraq, Morocco and Turkey. Earlier, Saudi Arabia showed interest in this complex, but later it refused to negotiate, citing the sanctions of its allies against Russia.
Since the beginning of the eighties, the United States has supplied Patriot air defense systems to various foreign countries, primarily from NATO. Most of these countries have so far managed to adopt a modern modification of the PAC-3 complex, but older PAC-2s still remain in some armies. New systems are available from Germany, Israel, Kuwait, the Netherlands, South Korea, Japan.
Patriot PAC-2 Missile Launch, February 11, 1991 Anti-aircraft gunners attacked three enemy Scud missiles, but destroyed only one in the air. Photo by the Press Service of the Government of Israel
Turkey could become the operator of the Patriots, but several years ago Washington refused to supply it. Moreover, the United States threatened Ankara with problems in the field of military cooperation if it buys Russian or Chinese complexes. The Patriot PAC-3 is expected to be delivered to Poland, Romania and Sweden in the future.
The argument about the difference in age between the two complexes was inappropriate when comparing technical characteristics, but it is still worth remembering when studying commercial success. The Patriot PAC-3 air defense system had more time to interest foreign customers and enter their army.
Do not forget about the political side of military-technical cooperation. The United States has the ability to put pressure on its allies bound by certain obligations. In addition, some buying countries may have difficulty purchasing and integrating any weapons other than the American one.
ERINT anti-missile launch. US Army Photos
Comparison results
The traditional wording of the question "who will win, S-400 or Patriot?" doesn't make sense. Anti-aircraft missile systems do not collide with each other and work for different purposes. Therefore, the correct wording should look different and touch upon the confrontation between the S-400 and the conditional F-15, as well as the Patriot with the conditional Su-27. And in this case, there is every reason to believe that the Russian air defense system will cope with its goal faster and easier than its overseas competitor.
Using more effective means of detection, including those not included in its composition, the S-400 complex will be able to find an aerodynamic target at a distance of 500-600 km and timely attack it with a missile with a range of 400 km. If this attack is unsuccessful, the air defense system will have enough time for a second attempt. In addition, data on dangerous objects will be transmitted to other anti-aircraft systems. If necessary, the S-400 will be able to intercept a medium-range ballistic missile using standard missiles.
ERINT product just before collision with a target missile. Photo US Missile Defense Agency
Having certain positive qualities and not the worst characteristics, the Patriot PAC-3 air defense system can also solve similar problems. However, even in terms of basic indicators, it seriously lags behind the Russian development. The S-400 long and ultra-long range complex, if necessary, can operate in the near zone and at medium ranges, while the Patriot simply cannot intercept at long range.
The specifics of the strategic situation in the past decades led to the fact that the Soviet and Russian industry learned to make unique air defense systems with the highest characteristics. These skills and abilities have not been forgotten, and in addition, they are constantly being improved. With enviable regularity, domestic enterprises release new air defense systems with wider capabilities and improved characteristics. The S-400 complex continues the glorious traditions, and also occupies a special place in the defense of the country's air borders.
