Russian air defense in deplorable state

The Russia Journal ^ | Februari 18 2004

[knighthawk]

MOSCOW - Russia’s air defense is in a deplorable state, Anatoly Kornukov, the former commander of the Russian air force, said at a round table meeting on Wednesday.

“Russian air defense is in deplorable condition, but it is not hopeless,” he said. According to Kornukov, the country’s air defense weapons “remained the same as several decades ago” due to the lack of funds and the absence of modernization. As an example, he referred to the S-50 air defense system. The combat effectiveness of the system is halved, according to the former air force commander.

On the need to develop a space defense program in Russia, Kornukov said “Russia needs an inexpensive but reliable space defense system, capable of protecting it from air and space strikes”. “Space defense should become a vital part of a system to deter possible aggression against Russia,” he stressed. According to Kornukov, Russia already has a system capable of hitting orbital vehicles. “In combat service since 1972, this system still operates effectively,” he noted.

Kornukov said a new S-400 system, Triumf, had been tested successfully. “I think regular launches of long-range missiles will be conducted before March 8,” he added. The Triumf anti-aircraft missile system is ready for serial production, according to the ex-commander of air force.

The Triumf system has a range of 400km. It can be used both against high-flying strategic and ballistic missiles and against cruise missiles like the Tomahawk, which fly low and are effective against targets in woodland and rugged terrains.

The new system is capable of detecting and destroying early-warning aircraft and tactical and strategic aircraft. It can also intercept warheads flying at a speed of 4,800 km per hour.

[knighthawk]

Russia Ready To Mass-Produce Triumph Surface-to-air Missile Complex
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1080644/posts

[Britton J Wingfield]

Now I am going to have FEAR's song "Bomb the Russians" stuck in my head all day :)

[Chewbacca]

They named a missile system after a rubber dog puppet?

[elbucko]

“Russian air defense is in deplorable condition, but it is not hopeless,”

And Continental United States air defense is totally non-existent except for F-16 patrols and Humvee mounted, short range, tactical missiles.

Since the dismantling of the Nike Hercules missile sites in the 1970's, the US is totally vulnerable from the sky.

[Cronos]

Do we, or the Russians really need to have these massive defense systems? It's like the Empire in Star Wars -- we're expecting a mass, co-ordinated, organised enemy. The real enemy won't use conventional warfare -- they'll be Talibs, alQ.

[Cronos]

Like, get real, which big country is going to declare conventional war on the US or on Russia? There would be nuke war? China isn't that mad. North K, Pakistan, maybe. But we can still knock them down pretty quickly.

[elbucko]

Do we, or the Russians really need to have these massive defense systems? It's like the Empire in Star Wars..

I agree with what I think is the drift of your comment above. The real point I wanted to get across is that the majority of ignorant Americans "think" we have some kind of air defense and that they are protected when, in reality, they are not. The roof above our heads is completely open. Were that reality to sink into the awareness of public at large, it would alter the public discourse about policies regarding national defense. Particularly at our borders.

I don't advocate SDI. I would like to see our main defensive weapons be the assurance of an enemies instant annihilation. As a former ground bound missile man, I know the limits and vulnerabilities of ground based missile systems. Space based systems are vulnerable to the difficulties of maintenance and repair, supposing the technical and cost factors could be overcome (which I doubt). I favor the use of submarines for both defense and offense. I think the "Silent Service" is the best weapon for offense and defense the US could develop for the 21st. Century.

[Cronos]

The real point I wanted to get across is that the majority of ignorant Americans "think" we have some kind of air defense and that they are protected when, in reality, they are not. The roof above our heads is completely open. Were that reality to sink into the awareness of public at large, it would alter the public discourse about policies regarding national defense.

Well, ignorance is bliss. No country can be completely secure. Even with an air defense system we can't stop non-governmental terrorists like the Talibs or alQ from getting in.

[Penner]

Russia’s air defense is in a deplorable state, Anatoly Kornukov, the former commander of the Russian air force, said at a round table meeting on Wednesday.

I like the sound of that!

[elbucko]

Well, ignorance is bliss.

Yes. I can see that it is.

[Cronos]

You misunderstand. What's the use of ordinary folks getting worried about our lack of air defense? We can't have a perfect one.

[elbucko]

What's the use of ordinary folks getting worried about our lack of air defense?

What's the use of ordinary folks going about their business under the false notion that nothing can get to them because they think the military has something that will protect them.

OK, you're right. Ignorance is bliss. I am not advocating another air defense system, having been in one I do know their limitations and they are legion. It is the "bliss" I find discerning. There was this same, unwarranted, "bliss" on Sept 11th.

[Cronos]

There was this same, unwarranted, "bliss" on Sept 11th.

Hmm.. you have a point. But what could have been doen to prevent this? Not much really. People wouldn't have wanted Air marshalls before 9/11. The Air Force couldn't really have shot down civilian air craft.

[elbucko]

Hmm.. you have a point. But what could have been done to prevent this? Not much really.

Enforce customs and immigration with as much effort as we now pursue "Homeland Security". The 19 Muslims of 9/11 were all in breech of US laws to the extent that they could have been arrested, detained and deported. However, America is more concerned with the Oscars, and govt. bureaucrats with their retirement, than they are with simply enforcing the laws that provide for our security. I agree that the F-16's would not have been ordered to shoot down civilian airliners on Sept. 11th. On Sept. 12th this had all changed.

[jaykay]

Enforce customs and immigration with as much effort as we now pursue "Homeland Security". The 19 Muslims of 9/11 were all in breech of US laws to the extent that they could have been arrested, detained and deported.

But they would have screamed "racial profiling," which the government is so intimidated by that they even now, post 9-11, search old ladies and little girls just to demonstrate a "balanced approach."

[Monty22]

The more we fight post 60's Soviet equipment (Iraq), the more I'm convinced we overestimated their entire military. It was all shadows and mirrors. Most of it was just boasting.

Don't think it's much different now, with the Kursk and tons of failures they always have.

[Soviet]

Bomb the Russian's? USA are many things but they are not stupid. They still want to live to see enother day.

[Britton J Wingfield]

It's just a song. A 15 year old song at that.

[arielb]

woof!