China tests Russia's new S-400 air defense system for the first time

The Rocket Force of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) has tested the S-400 Triumf air defense system. Photo: AP

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) Rocket Force tested the S-400 Triumf air defense system last month, successfully shooting down a "simulated ballistic target" nearly 250 km away and traveling at a supersonic speed of 3 km/s, Russian media reported.

This is the first time the PLA's missile force has tested the system since Beijing received the last shipment of weapons from Russia last July under a $3 billion contract signed in 2015.

China, which has been equipped with Russia's S-300 system for more than a decade, is the first country to import the new generation S-400 air defense missile system.

Analysts said Russia appeared to publicize the test last week to highlight closer military ties between Moscow and Beijing and promote the S-400 system.

According to military expert Li Jie, the report shows that Moscow wants to emphasize bilateral relations at a time when the US is at odds with both China and Russia. "Despite pressure from the US, the Russian military will strengthen cooperation with the PLA in many areas such as missiles, shipbuilding and other industries," Li said.

Military expert Song Zhongping said that the test was an "advertising" move by the Russian military to promote the S-400 system. "However, it is clear that the PLA Rocket Force is proficient in using the S-400 air defense system because they are too familiar with the 'predecessor' S-300 system, which has been used by China since the 1990s," he said.

It is important to distinguish between "hypersonic ballistic targets" and real hypersonic missiles, Song said. "Hypersonic weapons have enhanced features such as maneuverability, and they are almost impossible to intercept due to their extremely high speed," he said.

Moscow claims the S-400 is a state-of-the-art air defense system that can detect and shoot down targets including ballistic missiles, aircraft and enemy drones up to 600 km away, at altitudes from 10 m to 27 km. Russia claims the system can simultaneously shoot down 36 targets moving at speeds of up to 4,800 m/s with 72 surface-to-air missiles./.