Russia has reached an agreement to sell the S-400 Triumf missile defense system to Saudi Arabia, a close ally of the United States.
Saudi Arabia agreed to buy Russia's S-400 Triumf missile defense system on October 5. This is the second time a US ally has purchased the weapons system in the past month. In September, Türkiye also spent $2.5 billion to buy the S-400 system from Moscow, increasing tensions between Washington and Ankara.
The S-400 Triumf missile defense system is considered to have capabilities equal to the US MIM-104 Patriot missile system.
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The S-400 Triumf, designated SA-21 Growler by NATO, is a fourth-generation long-range missile defense system developed by Russia since 1993. |
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The S-400 system can shoot down manned aircraft, drones, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles. |
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However, the S-400 cannot directly collide with incoming warheads. |
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The S-400 system has a range of 240 km to 400 km. |
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With a shortest range of 240 km, the system uses 48N6 missiles equipped with a 143 kg warhead. |
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For maximum range, 40N6 missiles are used, but their detailed specifications are not disclosed. |
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The S-400 radar system can detect targets from a distance of 600 km. |
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Current S-400 systems are deployed in Kaliningrad, Crimea in Russia and Syria. |
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In addition to Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, Russia also exports the S-400 missile system to other countries. In 2015, China purchased six S-400 systems and India purchased five in 2016. |
According to Danviet