Russia's S-400 surface-to-air missile system can defend entire regions rather than just single cities, news outlet WION reported.
The mobile system relies on long-range radar scanning and advanced interceptor missiles to eliminate airborne threats before they reach urban areas.
According to WION, the S-400 uses a 91N6E panoramic radar that continuously scans 360 degrees, identifying incoming targets at distances up to 600 kilometres. Once a threat is confirmed, the battery launches 40N6E interceptor missiles capable of hitting enemy bombers and airborne early warning aircraft up to 400 kilometres away.
Due to this extensive reach, a single S-400 battery stationed near a major city can simultaneously protect dozens of surrounding towns and military bases. This wide coverage allows the system to engage hostile aircraft long before they can drop payloads onto civilian targets.
Altitude coverage and radar blind spots
Effective city defence requires intercepting threats across all vertical angles. The S-400 provides complete altitude coverage, engaging ballistic missiles at the edge of the stratosphere 30 kilometres above the ground, as well as low-flying cruise missiles traveling just 10 metres above the terrain.
However, ground-based radars on the S-400 cannot detect low-flying targets at extreme ranges, creating natural blind spots. To eliminate these low-altitude vulnerabilities near urban centres, the battery deploys a specialized 96L6E radar. This unit is designed to spot stealth cruise missiles and drones penetrating dense city developments up to 300 kilometres away.
The S-400 Triumph is a Russian-made long-range surface-to-air missile system designed to engage aircraft, cruise missiles, and ballistic targets. Military analysts consider it a core component of modern air defence networks capable of layered airspace protection.
Launcher conversions for ground strikes
In addition to its defensive capabilities, Russian forces have adapted part of the system for offensive operations. Ukraine's Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defence told news agency UNIAN that Russia has converted up to 17 S-400 launchers to launch ground strikes.
Ukrainian intelligence officials stated that Russian troops actively use these converted launchers to fire RM-48U guided missiles at targets across Ukrainian territory.
