Surface to Air Missiles - Russia

SA-2 Guideline (V-75)

The SA-2 was developed in the 1950s with first deployment in 1956. It was designed to counter high flying bombers and in 1960 gained prominence by shooting down the US U-2 reconnaissance aircraft piloted by Gary Powers. This incident saw Western air forces realise that the bomber would not always get through and drove the development of both low level penetration capabilities and ballistic missile for the delivery of nuclear warheads. Apart from Soviet use the SA-2 has seen extensive service in the Middle East and Vietnam. The system has been extensively upgraded over the years and has been produced under licence in the Peoples Republic of China as the HQ-2. Guidance is of the command radio method and is susceptible to jamming. Each battery of six single launchers has a Spoon Rest early waring radar with a Side net height finder radar at regiment level. Fire control is performed by the batteries Fan Song radar. The SA-2 system is nominally a mobile system, unlike the earlier SA-1 Guild, however this mobility is rather ponderous. The various models have effective ranges from 20 to 27nm and are effective up to altitudes between 27000 and 40000m.
The Chinese HQ-2 is licence produced variant. The HQ-2A is generally similar to the V-75. The later HQ-2B was modified to improve mobility, missile guidance, ECM capability, fusing, and warhead lethality. Operational tests and design certification trials took place during 1980 to 1986, and the missile entered service in the early 1990s. Although inheriting the aerodynamic layout of the HQ-2/A, the HQ-2B's internal design has been completely upgraded. The most distinctive improvement on the HQ-2B includes using the digital electronic technology to replace the original analogue electronic design. In addition to intercept conventional aircraft and helicopters, the HQ-2B also possesses limited anti tactical ballistic missile (ATBM) capability. The HQ-2B SAM can be mounted on a track chassis, giving it limited mobility.

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SA-3 Goa (S-125)

The SA-3 was introduced in 1961 as a complement to the SA-2 Guideline. It shares the same radio command guidance. The SA-3 Goa has been deployed as a mobile system and also in the base defence role on fixed turntables. The mobile variant features two launch rails mounted on the rear of a ZIL-157 tractor. Initial fixed launchers had two rails while a four rail launcher was introduced later. The SA-3 is supported by the Flat Face (P-15) long range surveillance radar or the later Squat Eye (P-15M). The Squat Eye has a 20-30m mast which provides improved low altitude detection. Height information is provided by Side Net (PRV-11) height finding radars. Fire control is provided by Low Blow I-band. Six targets can be tracked and two missiles guided simultaneously. Missile is effective between 100 and 25000m altitude and between 3 and 13nm range

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SA-4 Ganef (9M8)

The ZRK-SO Krug was first observed in 1964 and given the NATO designation SA-4 Ganef. A medium to high altitude the Krug is deployed at the Front (two brigades) and Army (one brigade) level. Two missiles are deployed on a tracked TEL. The missile is ramjet powered with four solid rocket boosters for launch. Initial guidance is radio command while final engagement is performed under semi-active radar guidance. Long range surveillance is performed by Long Track radars with height information coming from Thin Skin height finding radar. Fire control is provided by Pat Hand H-band radar. Performance figures include effective range out to 38nm and altitude limit up to 27000m.

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SA-5 Gamon (S-200)

The S-200 is a medium to high altitude, long range SAM system. The missile features a large single stage centre body with wraparound boosters for launch. This design gives the system a very long range of around 160nm but it also confines the minimum range to the point of booster burnout, about 32nm. Missiles can be fitted with either a large HE warhead or with a nuclear warhead. Guidance for early versions is combination command and semi-active radar homing with SARH being replaced by an active seeker later. S-200 is deployed at Army and Front level in missile battalions. Each battalion has six single rail launchers, a Barlock-B (P-35M) long range surveillance radar with IFF and a Square Pair missile guidance radar.

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SA-6 Gainful (RK-SD Kub)

First seen in November 1967 at the annual Red Square Parade RK-SD Kub is a mobile, air portable and amphibious low to medium altitude SAM. Three missile are mounted on the TEL which is a modifcation of the ZSU-23-4 chassis. In Soviet service the SA-6 is now found at divisional level in the anti-aircraft regiment. The latter consists of a Regimental HQ with one Thin Skin-B and two Long Track radars and five SA-6 batteries. Each battery comprises an SSNR Straight Flush G/H/I band fire control radar vehicle and four TELs; in wartime two additional TELs would be added. The SA-6b variant was first deployed in 1979 at the rate of one TEL per battery. This featured its own on board fire control radar and effectivley doubled the engagement capability of the battery. The SA-6 is being replaced by the SA-11 but is still in widespread service throughout the world.

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SA-7 Grail (9k32M Strela-2)

The 9K32 Strela 2 was the first of a series of man-portable air defence systems (MANPADS) developed for the Soviet Army. Entering service in 1966 the missile has at two stage motor and has a simple IR tracker for terminal guidance. Typical engagement is profile is a tail chase, homing on engine exhaust. The early missiles were particularly susceptible to decoy by flares, solar interference and hot ground surfaces in undulating terrain. The improved 9K32M was introduced in 1972 and features an improved motor for better performance. From the early 1980s the Strela 2 was replaced in Soviet service by the 9K34 Strela 3 (SA-14).

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SA-8 Gecko (ZRK-SD Romb)

The ZRK-SD Romb is a battlefield SAM system designed to protect army formations from aircraft at low and medium altitude. Entering service in 1974 the Romb is deployed at the divisional level in anti aircraft regiments with each regiment fielding 20 fire units, four per battery. The initial model (SA-8a) has four missiles on open launchers while the follow on (SA-8b) has six missiles mounted in dual container/launcher boxes. Both variants employ the same 6x6 wheeled transporter with on board Land Roll H-band early warning radar, J-band tracking radar and a pair of small I-band guidance radars. Targets can be engaged with either a single missile or with two missiles using different frequencies to improve resistance to countermeasures. Effective missile range is about 8nm.

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SA-9 Gaskin (ZRK-BD Strela-1)

A companion to the ZSU-23-4 SPAAG the ZRK-BD Strela-1 is a low altitude SAM deployed with the anti-aircraft batteries integral to each Soviet Motor Rifle and Tank regiment. Each batteries has four SA-9 and four ZSU-23-4 systems. Four missiles are mounted container/launcher boxes on a 4x4 chassis based on the BRDM-2 scout car. Guidance is infra-red homing, the initial 9M31 (SA-9a) had an uncooled seeker while the later 9M31M (SA-9b) features a cooled seeker form improved targeting ability. Engagement range is about 3nm.

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SA-10 Grumble (S-300PMU)

The S-300P is a highly effective SAM that first entered service with the former Soviet Union in 1980. Capable of engagements at short and long range and from low up to high altitude the S-300PMU, especially with later variants, effectively replaces the earlier SA-1/2/3/4/5 systems. As well as being used against aircraft the S-300 and variants are capable against cruise missiles and some varieties of ballistic missiles. In Soviet service many S-300PMU units were deployed to defend Moscow and other key sites. Other units were deployed at the Army or Front level in anti aircraft regiments. An S-300P battery may field up to 12 TELs each with 4 missiles mounted in container-launchers. A battery also has a command post, 76N6 Clam Shell 3D target acquisition radar and a 30N6 Flap Lid A I-band phased array radar (PAR) for fire control. A regiment comprises three such batteries and also employs the 36D6 Tin Shield long-range surveillance radar or with later versions the 64N6E Big Bird long range F-band 3D surveillance PAR.

The initial S-300P with the 5V55 missile is generally similar to the early MIM-104 Patriot in design and capability. The S-300PT was the first operationally deployed variant with the 25nm range 5V55K missile. These were later upgraded to S-300PT-1 standard and all these were designated SA-10A by NATO. Guidance was of the command link method and these early systems are only semi-mobile. The S-300PS introduced in 1982 is fully mobile with the MAZ-7910 8x8 vehicle replacing the earlier semi-trailers as the system transport. The S-300PS was christened SA-10B by NATO and also introduced two new missiles, the extended range (50nm) 5V55KD and the 5V55R, which introduced the Track Via Missile semi active guidance method also seen on the US Patriot. The export variant S-300PMU is generally similar to the S-300PS but is also available on new semi-trailer TEL, which is more mobile than the original TEL, but less complex than the MAZ unit of the S-300PS. NATO grouped the PMU with the PS under the designation SA-10B when it was first offered in 1989

The S-300PM introduced in 1993 represented a major upgrade of the S-300 system and brought it up to the capabilities of the Patriot PAC-1 and PAC-2 SAM systems. Radars were upgraded and the 64N6E (Tombstone) PAR replaced the 36D6 Tin Shield as the battery acquisition radar. Also introduced was the new 48N6 missile with improved range and speed. Range against aircraft targets is about 81nm and against ballistic missiles 21nm. Export variants are the S-300PMU-1 and both the PM and PMU-1 are grouped under the NATO SA-10C designation. Typical deployment of the S-300PM/PMU-1 is in a battery comprising a 30N6 (Flap Lid) engagement radar, a 76N6 (Clam Shell) low-level acquisition radar and up to 12 TELs with four missiles each. In Russian service a PVO battalion combines three batteries with a 64N6 (Tombstone) acquisition radar.

Further development of the S-300 has resulted in the S-300PMU2 Favorit (SA-10D). This introduces improved command and control and the new E2 variant of the 48N6 missile. Older 48N6 and 5V55 missiles can still be employed. It has also been suggested that Favorit may be intended to employ the new 9M96 but this missile has also been associated with the S-300PMU3 and possibly the S-400 Triumph. The 9M96 is mounted in four missile clusters in the place of a single 48N6 launcher, similar to the PAC-3 mounting for Patriot. To add to the confusion recent information has the SA-10C (S-300PM/PMU1) and SA-10D (S-300PMU2/3?) being referred to as SA-20a and SA-20b respectively. Previously the S-400 was thought to be the SA-20. The S-400, which introduces new radars and command and control while employing the 48N6 and 9M96 missiles, may not yet have been classified by the US or NATO. The alternative designation of SA-X-21 has been suggested.

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SA-11 Gadfly (9K37M1 BUK-1M)

The 9K37 Buk (SA-11 Gadfly/US, NATO designations) developed in the mid-1970s using two self-propelled mounts, the 9A38 and the 9A310, is the replacement for the Krug (SA-4 `Ganef') at the army (corps) level. The first Buk brigade became operational in 1980, although significant numbers were not deployed until the late 1980s. Due to a number of problems with the original Buk system, including the original surveillance radar `Tube Arm', an improved system was developed. Known as the Buk-M1, this entered service in 1983 and introduced the 9S18M1 `Snow Drift' surveillance radar into service. The Buk can also be used to engage tactical missiles and rockets; successful trials were undertaken in 1992 against simulated Pershing and MLRS type targets. The Buk-M1 is a medium range, low to medium altitude SAM. A tracked TELAR (Transport Erector Launcher and Radar) carries four missiles. The missile is semi active radar homing design with the Fire Dome radar on the vehicle providing guidance. A typical battery comprises a Command Post (CP) vehicle, a Target Acquisition Radar (TAR) vehicle and six Self-Propelled Mounts (SPMs) that act as the launcher vehicles. A specialist Loader-Launcher (LL) vehicle that acts both as missile transloader and additional launch unit supports pair of launchers. A Buk (SA-11) regiment comprises four such batteries and a Regimental Target Acquisition Battery with two long-range early-warning search radar's. Missile range varies from 13nm for the early models to 19nm for the Buk-M1 The Buk-M1 is being supplemented and eventually replaced by the Buk-M1-2 (SA-17 Grizzly).

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SA-12A Gladiator/SA-12B Giant (S-300V)

The S-300V was initially intended as the air defence counterpart of the S-300P for the Red Army with V standing for Vysokopodvizhnyi or `high mobility' Development has now seen the system developed to provide anti-ballistic missile defence. The system employ's two seperate missiles resulting different NATO designations. The 9M83 missile is smaller thanks to its smaller first stage. Four container launchers are mounted on the rear of the full tracked TELAR. The 9M83 has the dual tasking of anti aircraft and anti missile defence. Tactical ballistic missiles, battlefield missiles, cruise missiles and aircraft can be engaged. Range against aircraft is around 40nm. Sometimes referred to as S-300V1 by Russia NATO has designated this variant the SA-12a Gladiator.

The second variant employs the 9M82 missile. Also known as the S-300V2 (SA-12b Giant) this missile is capable against near-strategic ballistic missiles, tactical battlefield missiles and aircraft targets (including stand-off jamming platforms) at ranges of up to 54nm. Some American sources credit its maximum range capability as being 100+nm. This may, however, reflect the weapon's capability against a non-manoeuvring subsonic target such as a Boeing E-3 AWACS aircraft. Only two 9M82 launcher containers are mounted on the TELAR.

The normal battery make up, in theory, is a mixed one of four SA-12a TELARs and two SA-12b TELARs although, in reality, this has tended to be six SA-12a TELARs, with Russian sources indicating six SA-12b TELARs as an alternative. The total number of missiles per S-300V brigade varies from 96 to 192 rounds depending upon the number and types of TELARs in the batteries. For example, a solely SA-12a equipped brigade would have the maximum 192 (based on four rounds per TELAR and four reloads); a solely SA-12b equipped brigade would have 96 rounds (based on two rounds per TELAR and two reloads) and the normal mixed SA-12a/SA-12b brigade, 160 rounds. Each battery has a 9S32-1 missile guidance station (NATO designation `Grill Pan') A brigade would also field a 9S457-1 Command Post (CP) vehicle and a 9S15MV surveillance radar (NATO designation `Bill Board'), 9S19M2 sector scanning radar (NATO designation `High Screen').

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SA-13 Gopher (ZRK-BD Strela 10)

Developed as a replacement for the earlier Strela 1, the Strela 10 (SA-13 Gopher) is a significant improvement. The system introduces a new full tracked chassis based on the MT-LB, enabling the air-defence units to keep better company with the field forces they are supposed to protect. There are two versions of the TELAR, designated TELAR-1 and TELAR-2. TELAR-1 carries four passive radar detection antenna units, one on either corner of the vehicle's rear deck, one facing aft and one between the driver's vision ports at the front, whereas the TELAR-2 has none. TELAR-1 is apparently used by the SA-13 battery commander.
The Strela10 missile has a maximum speed of Mach 2, carries a 5kg HE warhead and is fitted with either an improved passive lead sulphide all-aspects infra-red seeker unit, or a cryogenically cooled passive all-aspects infra-red seeker unit. Normally the TELAR carries 4 ready-to-fire SA-13 missiles in the container-launchers and eight reloads in the cargo compartment. However, it might also have 9K31 Strela-1 (SA-9 Gaksin) missiles in the container-launcher boxes or a mixture of both. This enables battlefield features of both missiles to be utilized fully by allowing the less expensive SA-9 missile to be used against easier targets, while the more expensive and sophisticated SA-13 missile against difficult targets. It also allows a choice of infra-red seeker types on the missiles for use against extremely low altitude targets as well as in adverse weather conditions. The circular parabolic radar antenna is located between the two pairs of missile canisters and is a simple range-only set to prevent wastage of missiles outside the system's effective range.

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SA-14 Gremlin (9K34 Strela-3)

The Strela 3 9K34 (SA-14 Gremlin) is the replacement for the earlier 9K32 Strela (SA-7). The new system introduces a new cooler PbS seeker with filtering to improve performance against IRCM, a larger warhead, more compact and lighter weight electronics and a new rocket motor. Range is about 2.5nm and maximum effective altitude is 3000m

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SA-15 Gauntlet (9K331 Tor)

Developed through the 1980s the ZRK Tor (SA-15 Gauntlet) is a mobile and highly automated integral SAM version of the Russian Navy's Kynshal (SA-N-9). Entering limited service in 1986 it is slowly replacing ZRK Osa (SA-8) systems at the division (brigade) level. Since the original trial series vehicles, the Tor has undergone several substantial redesigns. The definite first production series model, under the designation Tor-M, was not fielded until 1991. The export model of the Tor-M is the Tor-M1. The system is mounted on a full tracked chassis. On top of the turret rear is the mechanically steered H-band 25 km range surveillance radar antenna assembly, which is swung through 90º to the horizontal position for extended travelling purposes. The 3-D pulse-Doppler radar provides the range, azimuth, elevation and automatic threat evaluation data for up to 48 targets on the associated digital fire-control computer processing system. The surveillance radar is fitted with an IFF system. At the front of the turret is the phased-array pulse-Doppler 13nm range K-band tracking radar, the beams of which are also electronically steered. Lower down on the right side of the tracking radar is an autonomous automatic TV tracking system. This has a range of 11nm, which complements the tracking radar and enables the system to operate in battlefield clutter and heavy ECM environments.

The missile area comprises a box-like container that extends down below the level of the hull top and carries two four-pack 9M334 missile modules in the vertical position in the TOR-M and M1 whereas, in the TOR, missiles are loaded and stored individually. Each Fakel SKB 9M330 (TOR) and 9M331 (TOR-M and M1) missile is in its own sealed container-launcher box and requires no maintenance. A 9T244-specialist transportation/loader vehicle performs reloading of the system.
On firing, a cold launch ejection system propels the missile upward to a height of 18 to 20 m, where a flight system turns the weapon on to the target bearing. The main sustainer rocket motor then cuts in and the missile is command-guided to the intercept point where the radar proximity fuze is triggered. Effective range limits are from 0.8 to 6.5 nm with target altitude limits between 10 and 6,000 m. The maximum manoeuvring load factor limit on the weapon is 30 g against highly manoeuvrable (up to 12 g) small-sized, high-speed, low-flying targets. I service the Tor-M is sometimes used to provide close in defence for S-300P batteries.

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SA-16 Gimlet (Ilga-1 9K310)

The Ilga-1 9K310 (SA-16 Gimlet) MANPADS continues the development of the Strela (SA-7/14) series. The Ilga-1 is a an improved version of the Ilga-M (SA-18 Grouse)and was introduced into service in 1986, three years after the -M. The new 9M313 missile of the Ilga-1 system feature improved guidance algorithms and a new two colour seeker allowing frontal engagement, homing on airframe heating. The new seeker is further resistant to countermeasures while range is increased to 2.7nm and altitude to 3500m.

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SA-17 Grizzly (Buk-M1-2)

Buk-M1-2 missile system was shown for the first time in 1997, although at the time most Western experts tended to believe that this was basically an upgrade of the Buk-M1 system. Evidence now suggests that, in effect, it is a completely new system, utilising the latest developments in missile technology and available off-the-shelf components from the Buk-M1, for both air and coastal defence operations. The Buk-M1-2 is available both as a new build item and as a modernisation package for completely rebuilding existing Buk-M1 systems.
Development of the Buk-M1-2 system began in the late-eighties and its design parameters were expanded to include the capability to engage radar detectable surface (both ground and naval) targets, short range tactical ballistic missiles, and air launched weapons and their carriers. In order to capitalise on the existing Buk-1M infrastructure to meet these requirements and thus minimise overall costs it was decided that the Buk-M1-2 systems would use a new missile type but have minimal changes to the existing radar, electronics, software guidance algorithms and other associated equipment.
The missile chosen to replace the 9M38M1 weapon was the 9M317. The missile was developed as a joint weapon for Russian Army and Navy air defence systems and has an extended engagement envelope when compared to the original Buk-M1 9M38M1 missile. It has a designed service life in the field of 10 years before it has to be refurbished and can be treated as a round of ammunition without the need for checks and maintenance during its operational life.
The basic Buk-M1-2 battery comprises a 9S470M1-2 command post, a 9S18M1 target acquisition radar, up to six 9A310M1-2 self-propelled launchers and potentially up to six 9A39M1-2 launcher-loader vehicles. Potential upgrades include a new PAR to enable multiple simultaneous engagements and increase resistance to countermeasures. Maximum and minimum engagements are 1.5 and 24nm respectively

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SA-18 Grouse (Ilga 9K38)

Introduced to service in 1983 the Ilga 9K38 (SA-18 Grouse) is a continuation ot the line that started with the 9k32M Strela-2 (SA-7 Grail). The 9M39 missile features the same warhead as the Strela 3 (SA-14 Gremlin) but introduces a new motor, control algorithims and seeker. Range is increased to 2.8nm. The Ilga was further improved to the Ilga-1 (SA-16 Gimlet)

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SA-19 Grisom (9M111 Pantyr S1)

The 9M311 (SA-19 Grisom) is the missile component of the combined gun missile Tunguska (ZSU-30) short range air defence system that is entering service with the Russian army and export customers. The missile is a two-stage solid-propellant unit fitted with a 9-kg fragmentation/rod warhead and a proximity fuse with a fusing radius of 5 meters. The SAM has a maximum speed of 1730kts and an average speed of 1190kts. The 9M311 employs semi-automatic radio command guidance with manual target tracking and automatic placing of the SAM on the line-ofsight using signals transmitted through the radio data link. For SAMs, the system has an engagement envelope of 15-3500 meters for altitude and of 1.3-4.3nm for range. The SAMs can hit airborne targets flying at speeds of 0-974kts.

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ABM-3 System (A-135 System)

Under the 1972 ABM both The US and the USSR were permitted to field up to 100 interceptor missiles for the protection of two separate sites so located as to not form a national defensive capability. A further protocol reduced this to a single site. The US chose not to field an ABM capability but the USSR placed its ABM facilities to defend Moscow. The current system is a two tiered design. The lower tier is made up of 64 shorter range 53T6 (SH-08 GAZELLE) , which was first introduced in the mid-1980s. The 53T6 is designed to intercept ballistic missile reentry vehicles inside the atmosphere. The missile, which has not been displayed in public, is thought to be similar in design and mission to the US Sprint interceptor that was part of the Sentinel/Safeguard system.

The upper tier is the 51T6 (SH-11 GORGON) ABM interceptor missile, introduced in the mid 1980s, is the high-altitude exo-atmospheric component of the improved Moscow ABM system. Thirty six missiles are deployed in silos at facilities surrounding Moscow.

The A-135 system also consists of:

*The ABM-3 phased-array short-range battle management radar. It is similar in function to American Missile Site Radar, although smaller and less capable.

*The Pushkino large battle-management phased-array radar constructed near Moscow provides 360 degree coverage and will supplement Dog House and Cat House radars in supporting SH-04 long range interceptors.

*The Pechora-type bi-static phased-array early warning radar supplemented the Hen House radars. Deployment began in the late 1970's at seven sites: Pechora, Lyaki, Mishelevka, Olenegorsk, Sary Shagan, Kamchatka and Abalakova.

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