Russia's three most expensive publicly disclosed super weapons
Borei submarines, S-400 air defense missiles and Su-35S fighters are three of the most expensive weapons systems of the Russian military.
The Russian military usually keeps secret information regarding the cost and price of strategic weapons such as the Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier, the Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) and the Burevestnik nuclear cruise missile. However, Moscow recently made public the prices of three of its most expensive modern weapons, according toRBTH.
Borei submarine Project 955
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A Borei-class submarine of the Russian Navy. Photo:RBTH |
When the contract for the production of Borei-class strategic submarines was signed in 2011, the Russian Defense Ministry estimated the unit price of each submarine at about $1.4 billion. However, the current price of a Borei-class submarine is about $713 million, about 50% lower than the initial estimate.
Despite the high production costs and high price, the Borei-class submarine is five times quieter than previous models, allowing it to easily bypass enemy anti-submarine sensor systems.This is the first Russian submarine model to use a water jet propulsion system.
In addition, the Borei is the only Russian submarine withThe ability to launch intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) while moving through ice, while other submarines have to stop to fire. Equipped with Bulava missiles, Project 955 submarines are a new step in the development of Russia's nuclear deterrent to protect the Arctic Ocean.
S-400 Triumph long-range air defense missile system
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Vehicle carrying S-400 long-range air defense missile. Photo:RBTH |
India is the latest country to place an order for five S-400 complexes for $5.5 billion, after Türkiye signed a contract to buy this famous air defense system, despite competition from the US Patriot system.
Entering service in 2007, the S-400 Triumf is Russia's new generation long-range air defense system, capable of intercepting stealth fighters as well as ballistic and cruise missiles at a distance of up to 400 km. An S-400 complex can attack up to 80 targets at the same time.
The complex is equipped with four different types of missiles. The 40N6 missile with a range of 400 km and the 48N6E3 with a range of 250 km are designed to destroy targets at high altitudes, while the 9M96E and 9M96E2 missiles with a maximum range of 120 km are used for low-flying and highly maneuverable targets.
Su-35S multirole fighter
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Russian Su-35S multirole fighter. Photo: RBTH |
Russian military analyst Viktor Litovkin said foreign militaries need to spend $70 million to own a Russian Su-35S multi-role fighter.
The Su-35S is a transitional generation fighter, possessing all the best features of the 5th generation Su-57 fighter along with many other upgrade packages including a fully digital cockpit. Therefore,Su-35S is considered superior to 4++ generation fighters in the world.
The advanced electronic control system on the Su-35S not only makes the aircraft lighter but also creates space for automatic control systems, allowing the pilot to make decisions such as locking on targets, selecting weapons or firing based on computer calculations.
