Russia Risks its A-50 AEW Fleet Flying Near Ukraine Borders Due to Increasing Losses, Western Fighter Threat, and S-400 Weakness

The UK MoD Defence Intelligence reported that Russia's Aerospace Forces (VKS) are increasingly deploying their most advanced Airborne Early Warning (AEW) aircraft, the Beriev A-50U, to identify enemy airborne targets in Ukrainian airspace. The A-50U, with its advanced radar system, can detect and track enemy aircraft from longer distances due to its altitude advantage, aiding the VKS in battle management and providing targeting coordinates for specific missions.

Amid escalating conflict in Ukraine, the A-50U has been crucial in managing VKS fighter aircraft and supporting the targeting of hypersonic missiles. However, the deployment of these advanced aircraft poses a risk, given their limited numbers and the potential difficulty of replacement if lost in action.

The move to deploy these aircraft closer to the front lines signifies ongoing challenges faced by the VKS (Russian Air Force), including substantial losses of aircraft, both confirmed and imputed, due to various reasons like combat, accidents, and extended operations. This has led to a change in tactics, with VKS operating further away from potential threats to minimize losses.

The A-50U's increased deployment aims to support VKS operations by enhancing data-sharing capabilities with the modern S-400 air defense system, aiding in extending the engagement range. This joint system improves target tracking and engagement capabilities but also presents vulnerabilities that the Ukrainians may exploit.

Concerns about the introduction of Western fighter aircraft into the conflict zone have driven Russia's strategic decisions. The potential threat posed by these aircraft has heightened worries about additional losses for the VKS and the increased vulnerability of their S-400 units.

The ongoing conflict has forced Russia to make difficult choices, including the relocation of S-400 units from strategic regions to bolster defenses in the Ukraine theatre. The reduction in S-400 numbers signifies the strain on Russia's crucial defense capabilities due to the ongoing conflict and the need to protect key assets.

Russia would be Turkey’s ‘first best choice’ for fighter jets if its F-35 plan flops

If U.S. officials were to expel Turkey from the multinational group that builds the F-35 Lightning II, Turkish defense officials said they likely would pursue Russian fighter jet technology.
Washington has threatened to expel Ankara from the multinational program if Turkey deploys the Russian-made S-400 surface-to-air missile system on its soil.
If Turkey accepts the S-400, “no F-35s will ever reach Turkish soil. And Turkish participation in the F-35 program, including manufacturing parts, repairing and servicing the fighters, will be terminated, taking Turkish companies out of the manufacturing and supply chain for the program.
defensenews

Russia begins delivering S-400 air defence systems to China

Russia has begun delivering the Almaz-Antei S-400 Triumf self-propelled surface-to-air missile (SAM) system to China under the terms of a contract signed in 2014, TASS news agency cited an unnamed source close to the Russian military-industrial complex as saying on 18 January.
The source, who did not reveal how many S-400s are set to be delivered, pointed out that the contract did not envisage either a technology transfer or licensed production of the systems.
janes

Turkey makes deal to buy Russian-made S-400 air defense system

Turkey and Russia have finalized a contract for the acquisition and deployment of the Russian S-400 long-range air and anti-missile defense system on Turkish soil.
The contract involves the acquisition of one S-400 system with an option to purchase a second system.
The delivery of the S-400 system was scheduled for the first quarter of 2020.
The S-400 system would be operated by Turkish personnel and would be supported by a locally developed identification friend or foe, or IFF, system.
On Dec. 25, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Turkey would borrow the loan in Russian rubles instead of U.S. dollars so the debt would be less.
defensenews

India Clears Purchase of S-400 AD System

India has cleared the purchase of five units of Russian-made S-400 Triumf (AD) advanced Air Defence Systems [with Indian specifications] at a cost of about $4.5 billion. The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), the highest body under the Ministry of Defence (MoD) which decides weapons purchases, cleared the purchase of S-400 AD systems at its meeting here December 17.
An advanced team is leaving for Moscow on Dec. 17 to negotiate the purchase of the S-400 systems.
Sources in MoD, however, said it is not certain if the deal for the S-400 will be inked during the upcoming Dec. 24-25 visit by the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Moscow.
defensenews

New Russian surface-to-air missiles in Syria, DoD confirms

U.S. pilots flying over Syria and Turkey will be in range of advanced Russian-made surface-to-air defense systems, Pentagon officials said.
U.S. intelligence shows that Russia is following through on plans to send S-400 missile systems into its military base in Syria, the officials said.
With a reported range of up to 248 miles, those missiles could put at risk most U.S. combat aircraft flying over Syria.
The S-400 Surface to Air Missile System that the Russian military has deployed to Syria has an estimated range of 400 kilometers. That puts most aircraft flying over Syria, as well as the U.S. aircraft at Turkey’s
Incirlik Air Base, at risk.
Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the S-400 missiles to Syria one day after a Turkish F-16 aircraft shot down a Russian Su-24 jet last Tuesday. Turkish officials said the Russian aircraft veered into Turkish airspace for less than 30 seconds and was fired upon only after repeated verbal warnings.
Russia's installation of the S-400s prompted a rare phone call on Monday between Marine Corps Gen. Joseph Dunford, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and his Russian counterpart, the first time in several months the two top military officers have spoken directly.
The U.S. and Russia signed a narrow agreement Oct. 20 outlining safety protocols for sharing the air space over Syria and avoiding mishaps and misunderstandings.
Dunford wanted Russia to " reaffirm its commitment to the memorandum of understanding" for sharing the skies over Syria, Dunford told lawmakers Tuesday.
Defense officials also acknowledged that Russia has begun arming its combat aircraft over Syria with air-to-air missiles.
A Pentagon spokesman expressed concern about the surface-to-air missiles and other aerial targeting weaponry because it suggests the Russians are rejecting a call from American officials to focus on targeting the Islamic State group, also known as ISIL or Daesh.
The U.S. recently sent air-to-air-capable F-15Cs to Turkey’s Incirlik Air Base near the Syrian border. Those aircraft are not slated for combat sorties over Syria but instead are assigned to a mission protecting Turkish airspace, officials say.
Those F-15Cs, deployed to Turkey in early November, so far have been limited to training missions and have not yet flown any combat air patrols.
militarytimes

Russia to deploy S-400 defense missile system to Khmeimim airbase in Syria

The Russian Air Force base in Latakia will be reinforced with S-400 SAM system, which will soon be deployed there, Russia's Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu said on Wednesday.
Earlier on Tuesday, the Russian Su-24 was shot down by a Turkish F-16 fighter jet near the Turkish-Syrian border. One pilot died in the incident. The second one was rescued and brought to the Russian airbase in Latakia.
Moscow maintains the jet did not violate Turkey's airspace. It ditched on Syria's territory four kilometers from the border.
Shortly afterwards, the MoD announced three steps to be taken following the attack on the Russian Su-24 bomber, including providing aerial cover by fighter jets for every airstrike, boosting air defense by deploying guided missile cruisers off the Latakia coast, and suspending all military-to-military contacts with Turkey.
rt.com

India eyes Russian S-400 Triumf

In what could be a game-changing arms acquisition, India is planning to acquire the new-generation Russian S-400 Triumf air defence missile systems that can destroy incoming hostile aircrafts, missiles and drones at ranges of up to 400-km.
The project is at an initial stage.
timesofindia

Taiwan Launches Ambitious Plans For New Weapons In All Fronts, Cleared to Buy C-27J

China's steady acquisition of advanced weaponry has driven ambitious Taiwanese requirements, including plans to procure stealth fighters, advanced jet trainers, long-range unmanned reconnaissance aircraft and main battle tanks.
Some requirements are awaiting sale notification to the US Congress or are still working through the Ministry of National Defense's internal programming process. Those include:
• MH-60R naval helicopters.
• Aircraft-deployed mines, such as the Quickstrike series.
• Shipboard electronic warfare system upgrades, such as the SLQ-32.
• Phalanx close-in weapon systems.
• Tactical datalink systems as part of a follow-on to the Po Sheng C4ISR upgrade program, now more commonly referred to as "Shyun An" or "Xun An."

Among the Chinese programs spurring Taiwan's response are Su-35 fighter aircraft and long-range S-400 surface-to-air missile systems. Chinese efforts in the South China Sea have also driven requirements for more ships and submarines, though these will be largely indigenous build programs.
Defense sources indicate Taiwan is interested in acquiring an additional AH-64E Apache attack helicopter, presumably as replacement for the unit lost in a training accident in 2014.
Taiwan needs to start replacing its fighter trainers in the next few years, but the Air Force has not announced a selection process for new trainers to replace aging F-5 fighters and AT-3 attack trainers, though plans for a tentative budget have been announced by Air Force officials for 2017.
The Air Force uses its F-5E/F fighters and AT-3 jet trainers for training before moving forward to one of three fighters: F-16A/Bs, Mirage 2000-5s or indigenous defense fighters.
The Air Force has said it wants to procure 68 advanced jet trainers for advanced training, lead-in and operations transitioning training, Shih said.
At present, there are three candidates: the US Air Force's T-X program, which is still under development; the Alenia Aermacchi M-346 Master; and the T-50 Golden Eagle built by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and Lockheed Martin.
Taiwan's Air Force also has a requirement to replace aging single-engine propeller-driven Beechcraft T-34C Turbo Mentor trainers procured from the US in the 1980s. The T-34 squadron has suffered numerous fatal accidents over the past several years. The Beechcraft AT-6 is the most likely candidate.
Taiwan also has been pursuing a procurement for six C­27J Spartan medium-transport aircraft, along with an indigenous training and maintenance package, to replace the Air Force's Fokker 50 VIP aircraft. The US government has released the C-27J for Taiwan, but the Air Force is awaiting financing, which has been hampered by the cost of recent upgrades to its indigenous defense fighters and upcoming upgrades to its F-16A/B fighter fleet.
defensenews

Air Force Upgrades B-2 Stealth Bomber as Modern Air Defenses Advance

The Air Force is developing an upgrade to its long-range, high-altitude B-2 Spirit stealth bomber allowing it to better detect increasingly sophisticated enemy air defenses at longer ranges.
Modern air defense systems are improving at a rapid pace as computer processing power grows exponentially. U.S. aviation leaders have grown concerned that these advancing air defenses will make stealth aircraft like the B-2 more vulnerable.
The B-2’s stealth technology, as it was configured and envisioned in the 1980s, did not fully anticipate or account for these advances that allow air defenses to detect aircraft through a wider range of frequencies and detect them at further ranges. Engineers have developed high-end air defense systems that are increasingly mobile and able to utilize digital, networked processing technology.
Russian-built S-400 air defense systems, are one of many more modern systems which use three different missiles to target planes at ranges up to 250 miles.
military

Russian Military Receives Second Batch of New S-300V4 Air Defense Systems

Russia's Air Defense Forces have received their second batch of a new modification of the S-300 surface-to-air system, with expanded anti-aircraft, anti-cruise and anti-ballistic missile capabilities.
Almaz-Antei Air Defense Concern has delivered three batteries of the new S-300V4 system to the Russian military, which expects to deploy the new system in the Western Military District.
The new system is a modernized version of the S-300V3. It includes new, more advance computational components, which have expanded its range by 100 km (to 400 km), as well as its anti-missile defensive umbrella's effectiveness.
The new system, designed between 2012-2014, is a modernized version of the S-300V3, with elements from versions of the S-300V Antei-2500 which were produced for export. It includes new, more advance computational components, which have expanded its range by 100 km (to 400 km), as well as its anti-missile defensive umbrella's effectiveness. The Air Defense Forces received their first S-300V4 brigade in December 2014.
Military specialists estimate that the new system is 1.5-2.3 times more effective in its anti-missile defense capabilities. The defensive system is capable of targeting medium-range ballistic missiles launched from a distance of up to 2,500 km away.
The military's contract with Almaz-Antei calls for the provision of nine S-300V4 brigades by 2020.
sputniknews

Russia's Northern Fleet Receives S-400 Air Defense Systems

Russia's Northern Fleet has increased its air defense capability with the addition of S-400 Triumph air defense missile systems:
The S-400 Triumph long- to medium-range surface-to-air missile system can engage any aerial target, including aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, and cruise and ballistic missiles at a distance of up to 400 kilometers (250 miles) and an altitude of up to 30 kilometers (18.6 miles).
The S-400 is expected to form the cornerstone of Russian air and missile defense by 2020 with 9 regiments already deployed across the country as of December 2014.
The bolstering of Russia's Northern Fleet with S-400 systems comes amid the country's strategy to boost its presence in the Arctic region.
sputniknews

S-400 Looms Large Over Taiwan

Taiwan’s F-16s face a growing threat from China’s arsenal of surface-to-air missiles (SAMs). The latest and gravest is the Russian sale of 400-kilometer-range S-400 Triumf road-mobile SAM systems to China.
The Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation has downplayed recent Russian-language media reports of an agreement and contract, but “as I understand it, it is basically true,” said Vasiliy Kashin, a China military specialist at Moscow’s Centre for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies.
Russian media reports indicate China and Russia have signed a US $3 billion contract to procure an initial six S-400 battalions. The missile is an upgraded variant of the S-300, now fielded by China in battalions based near major cities and scattered along the coast facing Taiwan and Japan.
Kashin, who attended the recent Airshow China in Zhuhai, said that with a range of 400 kilometers and fielded in Fujian Province, the SAM system will be able to cover the whole of Taiwan airspace, thus finally solving the “problem of air superiority for the Chinese.”
If China chooses to deploy the S-400 in Shandong Province, it will provide coverage of airspace over the Senkaku Islands. “That will be another asymmetric capability, together with anti-ship ballistic missiles, which will boost Chinese potential in dealing with the local conflicts in East Asia,” Kashin said.
China has staked a claim to the Japanese-controlled Senkaku Islands, which it refers to as the Diaoyu Islands. Other factors suggesting China will deploy the S-400 over the East China Sea include the fact that China declared an air defense identification zone over the East China Sea, including the Senkakus, in November 2013.
The S-400 will give China more confidence in controlling airspace over Taiwan, and will serve as a critical factor in defeating Taiwan’s air defense capabilities during a war, said York Chen, a former senior adviser of Taiwan’s National Security Council.
After China’s surface-to-surface missiles destroy Taiwan’s air bases and runways at the beginning of a conflict, the S-400 could target remaining fighter aircraft that managed to reach the air beforehand, not to mention any US or Japanese fighters coming to Taiwan’s aid during the battle.
defensenews

Russia successfully test-launches long-range interceptor missile for defense system S-500

Russia has successfully test-launched a long-range interceptor missile which will be brought into service of a promising air defense missile system S-500.
Test-launches were made in late June. All goals and tasks set within this event were fulfilled completely.
Air defense system-producing concern Almaz-Antey was developing an air defense missile system of new generation S-500 fully in line with the deadlines set in the state-funded armament program until 2020.
According to open sources, S-500 will be able to detect and hit simultaneously up to ten ballistic targets flying with a speed of up to seven kilometres per second and warheads of hypersound cruise missiles. Air defense missile system S-500 combat capabilities are planned to surpass air defense missile system S-400 Triumf currently in combat service and its US rival - a defense missile system RAS-3, the latest model of air defense missile system Patriot.
itar-tass

China may become first buyer of S-400

China may become the first buyer of Russia's S-400 anti-aircraft missile system, the Kremlin's chief of staff said on Thursday.
"Chances that China may be the first foreign buyer [of S-400s] are high," he told reporters.
S-400, a new-generation long and medium-range anti-aircraft missile system, is capable of destroying all the existing air attack weapons, including tactical and strategic aircraft, ballistic missiles and hypersonic targets.
voiceofrussia

Russian Fighters and missiles for China Still On Hold

Russian industry officials are denying media reports that Beijing and Moscow are finalizing a deal on the sale of advanced Russian fighters and surface-to-air missiles to China.
Widely reported by other media outlets, announced that the head of Sukhoi, confirmed that a deal with China to procure Su-35S fighters and S-400 SAMs was close to concluding.
But Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) denies anything beyond the sale of commercial aircraft during his visit to China.
UAC’s communications department, wrote in a news release that sale of the Su-35 was not in discussion with Chinese officials. However, UAC and China did sign a cooperation agreement to build wide-body long-range commercial airliners on May 20.
This does not mean that a deal on the multirole combat aircraft is dead, only that no agreement has been made.
S-400 and Su-35 deals might be sped up because of the growing importance of strategic ties with China for Moscow after the Crimean crisis. Taking into account production cycles, the first S-400s are unlikely to reach China before 2016.”
Whether the sale goes forward today or next year, it will spell trouble for Taiwan and Japan’s efforts to defend the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea. The 400-kilometer range S-400 will allow China to strike any aircraft over Taiwan. This will give China effective control of Taiwan’s airspace during a war. At present, China’s 300-kilometer range S-300s can hit aircraft only in a small section of Taiwan’s northwest coastal area.
The S-400 will make it difficult for Tokyo to control the Senkaku’s airspace. The disputed islands are controlled by Japan, but also claimed by China as the Diaoyu Islands are within 350 kilometers of China’s coast.
Taiwan is also facing a fighter shortage as older aircraft, such as the roughly 50 F-5s and 55 Mirage 2000s, begin retiring within the next 10 years. What remain are 126 upgraded indigenous defense fighters (IDFs) and 144 F-16A/B fighters. Taiwan has initiated an upgrade program for the F-16s, but still insists the US release 66 F-16C/D fighters on hold since 2006.
One response for Washington would be to sell Taiwan the General Electric F404 or F414-class small turbofan engine that would allow Taiwan to develop its indigenous defense fighter into a very short take-off, supersonic climbing fighter.
defensenews

Russia Test-Fires Range Of Nuclear-capable Missiles

Russia on Wednesday test-fired a series of short- and long-range nuclear-capable missiles as part of an unannounced check of the readiness of its massive Soviet-era force.
The defense ministry said several ballistic missiles were successfully launched from the Bryansk and Svyatoy Georgy Pobedonosets submarines stationed in the Barents and Okhotsk Seas.
The ground-based strategic forces also fired one Topol and one Voyevod intercontinental ballistic missile from positions in northern and central Russia.
Both missiles hit their assigned targets on the Russian Far East’s Kamchatka Peninsula.
The country’s armed forces also test-fired four Iskander and Tochka-U short-range rockets as well as about 15 S-300 and S-400 air defense missiles that Russia’s produces primarily for export.
Russia is the only country in the world to still fire intercontinental ballistic missiles at specific targets as part of periodic tests.
Most of the launches are performed to either ensure the safety of Russia’s aging arsenal or to test new rockets that could penetrate a missile defense system now gradually being deployed by NATO in Europe.
defensenews

Russia to Deploy New S-400 Air Defense Regiment Near Moscow

A new regiment equipped with S-400 Triumf air defense missile systems will be put on combat duty to bolster the air defenses around the Russian capital by the end of 2013.
The new unit will join two S-400 regiments already based near Moscow.
Russia currently has a total of five S-400 regiments, with the remaining units deployed near the port city of Nakhodka in the far eastern Primorye Territory, and in the Baltic exclave of Kaliningrad and in the Southern Military District.
The S-400 Triumf (SA-21 Growler) air defense system is expected to form the cornerstone of Russia's theater air and missile defenses by 2020.
The system can engage targets at a maximum range of up to 400 km (250 miles) at an altitude of 40,000-50,000 meters (132,000-165,000 feet). The system uses a range of missiles, and is optimized for engaging ballistic and cruise missiles.
Russia plans to have 28 S-400 regiments by 2020, each comprising two or three battalions (four systems each), mainly in maritime and border areas.
ria

China may become first importer of Russian S-400 missile systems

China may become the first importer of new Russian S-400 Triumf surface-to-air missiles systems, a top official at the Russian government’s arms trade agency said on Wednesday.

The S-400 has aroused wide-scale interest abroad, Vyacheslav Dzirkaln, deputy director of the Federal Service for Military Technological Cooperation, told Interfax-AVN at the current IDEX international arms show in the United Arab Emirates.

missilethreat

Moscú estará defendido pronto por el sistema S-500

La defensa antimisiles de Moscú recibirá en breve la incorporación del Sistema antimisiles S-400 Triumf y S-500 Samoderzhets.
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