The Russian S-300 and S-400 Missile Systems

Osprey New Vanguard #315

by Steven J. Zaloga, Felipe Rodríguez (Illustrator)

An expert account of the development, role, and capabilities of the S-300 and S-400 air defence missile systems, key strategic weapons in Putin's Russia.

Few modern missile systems have had such significance as the S-300 family. Highly regarded technically, Russia's most powerful air-defense systems have been a major strategic asset to the country, exported to major powers around the world, and are a key weapon in many international hotspots and in recent wars.

In this book, professional missile systems analyst Steve Zaloga uses his specialist knowledge to assess and analyse them in detail. He explains that the S-300 is, in fact, three the S-300P, designed as a replacement for older Soviet strategic SAM systems, the S-300V, developed to defend against Pershing ballistic missiles, and the S-300F, designed for ship defense. He also considers the supplementary S-350 system and the new-generation S-400 system, deployed in Syria and sold to both China and Turkey. An assessment of the latest S-500 system, designed to counter ballistic missiles and hypersonic cruise missiles, is also provided.

Packed with detailed colour artwork and new photos, this book explains the considerable evolution of the S-300 family, perhaps the world's most famous strategic SAM, over the last three decades.

47 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 16, 2023

About the author

Steven Zaloga is an author and defense analyst known worldwide for his articles and publications on military technology.  He has written over a hundred books on military technology and military history, including “Armored Thunderbolt: The US Army Sherman in World War II”, one of the most highly regarded histories of the Sherman Tank.  His books have been translated into Japanese, German, Polish, Czech, Romanian, and Russian. He was a special correspondent for Jane’s Intelligence Review and is on the executive board of the Journal of Slavic Military Studies and the New York Military Affairs Symposium. From 1987 through 1992, he was the writer/producer for Video Ordnance Inc., preparing their TV series Firepower.  He holds a BA in history from Union College and an MA in history from Columbia University.

Mr. Zaloga is also a noted scale armor modeler and is a host/moderator of the World War II Allied Discussion group at Missing-Lynx.com, a modelling website. He is a frequent contributor to the UK-based modeling magazine Military Modelling. He is a member of the Armor Modeling and Preservation Society.

Reviews

[Martin Koenigsberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

When the present Russian state grew from the ashes of the Soviet system, the legacy of AntiAircraft (AA) or Surface to Air (SAM) Missile defense was a relatively strong system developed from the 1950s to defend against high flying and possibly fast bombers. The missiles that had fought in Vietnam, the Arab-Israeli wars and the IndoPak wars- what NATO called SAM-2, Sam -3, Sam 5/6, and the man portable (MANPAD) Strela Sam-7 were aging and needed replacements if they were going to meet the needs of the new Century. In response to the rise of the Cruise Missile and knap of the earth low level flying now possible for jets, the late Soviet design agencies were developing missile and guidance systems that could take these threats down= but also respond at the higher altitudes . The results were the S-300 system that arrived in the late 1970s and was for sector defense, and the later S-400 system that is more integrated and can take on more types of planes and missiles. Steven J Zaloga, the western author most familiar with Soviet inventories and design development presents these systems to the reader with a pretty impressive level of detail in the usual Osprey "New Vanguards' style- 48 pages filled with colour photos, diagrams, spreadsheets and colour plates of key gear.

This is the system the Turks bought that angered the Americans. This, and a home-made copy are the basis for the Chinese Air Defense System This is the system employed around Moscow now- and used by both sides to defend against the air in the Ukrainian war of Independence. Zaloga shows how this system is commonly thought of as the Russian version of the American Patriot Missile, but that it is in fact quite different. it is really interesting to see the number of massive vehicles needed by a battalion of these things- and how the Russians have tried to lighten the loads- and thus the vehicles required, for export options. It's also clear how reliant these systems are on technology - chips and screens and software, not all of it so readily available to Russia. I thoroughly enjoyed being brought up to date on SAM technology by one of the best Military History/Current affairs writers of our era.

There are no adult themes, save communism and business rivalry, and no graphic injury descriptions, so this is a good book for a 11/12 year old Junior Reader ready to take on some dense scientific language(air to air interception is hard). For the Gamer/Modeler/Military enthusiast - this is a good package. The Gamer gets enough information to integrate this weapon into games, scenarios or campaigns. The Modeler gets all the pictures of every attached vehicle- both the full-level massive Soviet/Russian Tractors and the lesser trucks some of the export systems can be run with. The Military Enthusiast gets an introductory look at one of the new, or new-ish Weapons systems that taxpayers the world around are paying for . I learned quite a bit- always a good thing with a book.

[Zare · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting overview of development of S300 missile system, various versions (including S350 which seems like a very interesting SAM system) up to the S400 and S500 systems.

What I liked here is that book links up nicely to "Intercept 1961", book on Soviet ABM systems and provides further insight how did various rocket/missile construction bureaus evolve and with them the actual SAM/ABM systems.

Very short, to the point (as is case with majority of Osprey releases). Only thing that is missing is evaluation of these missile systems. I think that even in 2022 all these systems (old and new) proved their worth in gold on both sides of the conflict. Mixed with other air defense systems (like Pantsir, Tor, automated gun systems and MANPADS) I think that Soviet and later Russian approach to air defense proved their worth.

Highly recommended.

[Max Bodewes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly interesting and detailed historical overview of this missile system, its development, which countries it was sold to, and its performance.

[Haruyo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a little bit boring because the missile systems lack combat engagements.