Russia showcased its most sophisticated air defence system on Wednesday, using it to repel a mock attack from the sky as part of what it describes as its largest-ever military drills.
The wargames involved its state-of-the-art S-400, Russia's latest generation surface-to-air defence system, which is considered by NATO countries to pose a threat to their aircraft.
The exercise on the Telemba military training ground -- about 130 kilometres (81 miles) north of the city of Chita in Siberia -- involved over 1,000 troops and over 500 pieces of military equipment.
Russia's defence ministry hailed the drills as successful.
"The troops have completed their mission with total efficiency," a high-ranking officer in the Russian Aerospace Forces Sergei Kuryshkin told journalists.
The exercise simulated a "massive missile attack" by an "unnamed enemy," another military official Sergei Tikhonov said.
Last year Moscow signed a contract to sell the systems to Turkey, raising criticism from Ankara's NATO allies, notably Washington, which has threatened to block delivery of its F-35 stealth aircraft to Turkey.
Negotiations to sell the S-400 to Qatar and India are ongoing. In late August a senior Pentagon official said that sanctions against India would come under consideration if its purchase goes through.
Russia has said the Vostok-2018 manoeuvres are the largest in its history and involve nearly 300,000 men and all types of military equipment.
The exercises involve Chinese and Mongolian armies and will continue until September 17.
Related Links
Learn about missile defense at SpaceWar.com
All about missiles at SpaceWar.com
Thanks for being here; We need your help. The SpaceDaily news network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain. With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords. Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year. If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.</span> |
||
SpaceDaily Contributor $5 Billed Once credit card or paypal |
SpaceDaily Monthly Supporter $5 Billed Monthly paypal only |
Turkey rushes to buy advanced Russia air defence system
Istanbul (AFP) Aug 31, 2018
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday said Turkey will buy some of Russia's highly-sophisticated air defence systems "in the shortest time" - a purchase that has alarmed Ankara's NATO partners. "Turkey needs S-400s and its deal has been done," Erdogan said in the western city of Balikesir. "God willing, we will buy them in the shortest time." In April, Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to speed up the first deliveries of the S-400s, which had previously been scheduled for the end of 20 ... read more
from Military Space News, Nuclear Weapons, Missile Defense https://ift.tt/2NHm0Rg
via space News
No comments: