MOSCOW, December 27 – RIA Novosti, Vadim Saranov. IN Saudi Arabia Rockets began to fly in frequently. Recently, the UN Security Council condemned the attack by the Yemeni Houthis on Riyadh. The purpose of the attack was royal palace Al-Yamamah, but nothing happened. The missile was either shot down or deviated from its course. Against this background, Saudi Arabia intends to significantly strengthen its missile defense. The main candidates for the role of “umbrella” are the American THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) system and the Russian S-400 Triumph air defense system. Read about the advantages and disadvantages of competitors in the RIA Novosti material.

S-400 hits further, THAAD hits higher

Objectively, THAAD and the S-400 Triumph air defense system are conditional competitors. "Triumph" is primarily designed to destroy aerodynamic targets: aircraft, cruise missiles, unmanned vehicles. THAAD is a system originally designed to combat small and small ballistic missiles. medium range. "American" is capable of destroying targets at altitudes that are prohibitive for conventional air defense systems - 150 kilometers, and according to some reports, even 200 kilometers. Newest anti-aircraft missile 40N6E of the Russian "Triumph" does not work above 30 kilometers. However, according to experts, the indicator of the height of the lesion, especially if we're talking about on the fight against operational-tactical missiles is not critical.

“In theater missile defense, targets are destroyed on downward trajectories, and not in space,” Lieutenant General Aitech Bizhev, former deputy commander-in-chief of the Air Force for the unified air defense system of the CIS countries, told RIA Novosti. “In the late 1980s, in missile defense "In the capital, it was planned to use two S-300V2 regiments. At the Kapustin Yar training ground, they created a model of the defense of Moscow with the same geometric dimensions and launched targets from the stratosphere. All of them were destroyed at a distance of 120 kilometers."

By the way, main danger For Saudi Arabia today they are precisely the R-17 Scud operational-tactical missiles and the Qahir and Zelzal tactical missiles, created on the basis of the Soviet Luna-M complex.

© AP Photo/U.S. Force Korea

© AP Photo/U.S. Force Korea

Another key difference between the American and Russian complexes is the principle of operation. If the Triumph hits targets with fragments after detonating the missile warhead near the target, then the THAAD, deprived of the warhead, hits the missile directly with a kinetic block. Meanwhile, despite the apparent complexity of this solution, the Americans managed to achieve good results during the tests - the probability of destroying a target with one anti-missile missile is 0.9, if THAAD backs up the complex with a simpler system, this figure will be 0.96.

The main advantage of Triumph when used as an anti-missile system is its higher range. For the 40N6E missile it is up to 400 kilometers, while for THAAD it is 200 kilometers. Unlike the S-400, which can fire 360 ​​degrees, the THAAD, when deployed, has a field of fire of 90 degrees horizontally and 60 degrees vertically. But at the same time, the “American” has better vision— the detection range of its AN/TPY-2 radar is 1000 kilometers versus 600 kilometers for the Triumph.

Combine incompatible

As you can see, Saudi Arabia intends to build its missile defense on two completely different systems. This approach may seem somewhat strange, because when using them, problems may arise. serious problems with compatibility. However, according to experts, this is a completely solvable issue.

"These two systems cannot be controlled automatically from a single command post, military expert Mikhail Khodarenok told RIA Novosti. — There are completely different mathematics, completely different logic. But this does not exclude the possibility of them combat use separately. They can be deployed in different places or even within the defense of one object, if their tasks are divided into heights and sectors. They can simply complement each other perfectly if they are in the same group."

Saudi Arabia's desire to acquire both Russian and American systems may be dictated by other considerations. After Operation Desert Storm, during which French anti-aircraft missile systems in service with Iraqi air defense suddenly became inoperable, potential buyers began to be more cautious about purchasing weapons manufactured in the West.

“American weapons may contain hidden weapons,” says Mikhail Khodarenok. “For example, an F-16 of the Jordanian Air Force cannot shoot down an F-16 of the Israeli Air Force. That is, if they use American weapons, only the S-400, which is capable of working against conventional aerodynamic targets, can hit it. It is possible that this is the only reason they are buying the Russian system.”

The most important difference between THAAD and Triumph is the price. The cost of one THAAD battery, which consists of six launchers for eight interceptor missiles each, is about $2.3 billion. The innovative AN/TPY-2 radar costs another 574 million. The cost of an S-400 battalion with eight launchers of four missiles each is about $500 million. Russian complex costs almost six times less, while the advantages of THAAD, at least for now, are not obvious.

Ground forces The United States has deployed one of its seven terminal high-altitude interception missile defense (THAAD) batteries in Romania. This deployment coincides with the closure of the Aegis Ashore ground-based missile defense system also located in Romania for a planned upgrade.

Installation of THAAD missile defense battery equipment began on May 17, 2019 near the location of the Aegis Ashore ground-based missile defense system. The US Army and the US Department of Defense independently first posted at least one photo of the installation being prepared for combat duty, and then quickly deleted it. Some websites have saved this photo.

The deployment of the THAAD missile defense system is a controversial issue. This system, in theory, has the same capabilities as the Aegis Ashore missile defense systems and helps close the gap created during the temporary suspension of the Aegis complex.

However, the installation of THAAD batteries causes a hostile reaction from the Russian leadership, as was the case with the Aegis Ashore ground-based system. Russia “does not understand what tasks the Aegis Ashore system will perform in the anti-missile field,” Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said at the end of April 2019.

The Pentagon and NATO have repeatedly tried to explain the reasons for the deployment of the THAAD missile defense system. “At NATO's request, the Secretary of Defense will deploy a U.S. Army high-altitude terminal intercept missile defense system to Romania this summer in support of NATO's missile defense system,” a U.S. European Command spokesman said in early April 2019.

“The THAAD missile defense system from the 69th Artillery Air Defense Brigade, 32nd Air and Missile Defense Command will be integrated into the existing missile defense architecture for a limited period of time this summer, when planned maintenance and modernization of the Romanian ground-based missile defense system takes place "Aegis Ashore"

As of early 2019, the US Army had received approximately 200 missiles for its seven THAAD batteries and approximately 40 launchers. The US Missile Defense Agency on its website calls THAAD "a ground-based element capable of shooting down ballistic missiles both in the atmosphere and beyond."

The US Army maintains THAAD anti-missile batteries on the island of Guam, as well as in South Korea. In March 2019, the US Army deployed one THAAD battery to Israel.

Context

Uncle Sam's Hidden Intentions

People's Daily 08/02/2016

Russia will wait: China will tell the US everything itself

Ming Bao 04/05/2017

TNI: US anti-missile system is heading to Europe

The National Interest 04/16/2019 Aegis Ashore is a ground-based version of the anti-missile system Navy USA SM-3. The US Missile Defense Agency, through NATO, operates Aegis Ashore ground-based systems in Poland and Romania. These installations help protect Europe and the United States from restricted missile strikes from such Middle Eastern powers as Iran.

However, the United States' missile defense system has been a source of resentment in Russia for decades. Moscow considers American anti-missile systems a threat to the global balance of power, since they could theoretically render them ineffective Russian missiles, equipped nuclear warheads. In fact, most US missile defense systems lack the speed, range and accuracy to intercept ICBMs.

Only US ground-based mid-range missile defense systems in Alaska and California, both designed to intercept North Korean missiles, have demonstrated the ability to defeat some intercontinental ballistic missiles in test tests.

Many Russians mistakenly believe that ground-based Aegis Ashore systems can be equipped with surface-to-surface missiles and therefore could be used in a surprise first strike. Aegis Ashore missile defense systems "are the cause of a specific Russian fear," said Jeffrey Lewis, an expert in the field. nuclear weapons Middlebury Institute of International Studies located in Monterey.

According to him, many Russians believe that the United States is secretly planning to equip its anti-missile installations in Poland and Romania with nuclear warheads, thus turning them into what Lewis calls a “covert” strike force whose true purpose is to launch a surprise attack. nuclear strike across Moscow in order to “decapitate” the Russian leadership.

"It's crazy, but they're 100 percent sure of it," Lewis said, referring to the Russians.

NATO emphasizes that neither Aegis Ashore nor THAAD pose a threat to Russia. "The THAAD battery will be under operational control NATO and under full political control North Atlantic Council,” the alliance emphasized in its statement. “It will be in combat condition only until the Aegis Ashore complex returns to its place in Romania.” The upgrades and deployment are expected to continue for several weeks.”

“In accordance with NATO's missile defense system, the operation of THAAD batteries will be directed against potential threats arising outside the Euro-Atlantic area. The Aegis Ashore complexes deployed in Romania are purely defensive systems.”

David Ax is the defense editor of National Interest magazine. He is the author of the graphic novels War Fix, War is Boring, and Machete Squad.

InoSMI materials contain assessments exclusively from foreign media and do not reflect the position of the InoSMI editorial staff.

Which are designed to destroy operational-tactical and medium-range ballistic missiles.

THAAD long-range interception missile defense system. Photo: Reuters

As reported on the official website of the US Pacific Command, the missile defense system is intended “solely to protect the Republic of Korea from a nuclear missile threat from the North (DPRK).” This happened against the backdrop of North Korea testing ballistic missiles.

The South Korean Ministry of Defense has confirmed that the THAAD system is planned to be deployed in Seongju County on the site of the former Lotte Corporation golf course, the agency notes. In 1-2 months the deployment of this the latest system The missile defense will be completed.

Story

Development of the American THAAD mobile anti-missile system began in 1992 by a group of industrial enterprises led by Lockheed Martin Missiles and Space. At the beginning of 1995, the White Sands missile defense site (New Mexico) was deployed prototypes launcher. In January 2006, a deal was concluded with Lockheed Martin for the supply of the first 2 THAAD systems with 48 anti-missile defenses. On given time 39 test launches are known (including the interception of a training target in conditions close to combat), 31 of which were considered successful.

THAAD performance characteristics

THAAD anti-missile - single-stage solid propellant (launch weight 900 kg, length 617 and maximum body diameter 37 cm), consists of a warhead, transition compartment and solid propellant rocket engine(solid propellant rocket motor) with a tail skirt-stabilizer, developed by Pratt & Whitney.

The head part of the anti-missile missile is made in the form of a detachable homing kinetic interception stage, designed to destroy ballistic targets through a direct hit. In its nose part there is a double-leaf aerodynamic fairing, which can be dropped at the final phase of the anti-missile missile (AM) flight.

The interception stage includes: a multispectral infrared homing head (GOS), operating in the middle (3.3 - 3.8 µm) and far (7 - 10 µm) sections of the IR range, a command-inertial control system, as well as a propulsion system ( Remote control) maneuvering and spatial orientation.

THAAD is designed to destroy operational-tactical missiles (OTR, firing range up to 1000 km) and medium-range ballistic missiles (MRBMs, up to 3500 km) at altitudes of 40-150 km and ranges up to 200 km.

Launcher

The launcher houses ten launch vehicles in transport and launch containers. They are mounted in a single module on the chassis of a 10-ton M1075 tractor, developed on the basis of a heavy off-road truck from Oshkosh Truck Corporation. Total weight PU 40 t, length 12 m and height 3.25 m. It takes 30 minutes to reload. The THAAD launchers are air transportable and can be transported on C-141 heavy cargo aircraft.

Command post

The command post (CP) can be removed from the radar station (radar) at a distance of up to 14 km. It provides signal processing and data exchange between control units.

The THAAD complex uses the so-called “kinetic interception” concept - only the kinetic energy of the hardware unit is used to hit the target. According to the developers, due to the high kinetic energy of the hardware unit, the THAAD complex should be significantly more effective against outdated ballistic missiles (such as the R-17).

The THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, formerly called Theater High Altitude Area Defense) mobile ground-based anti-missile system is designed for high-altitude, trans-atmospheric interception of medium-range missiles when creating a zoned missile defense system in a theater of operations (theater of operations).

The general contractor is Lockheed Missiles & Space Co.

The plan for creating a theater missile defense system provided for the following stages of work:

At the first stage (1993-1995), the main efforts were focused on completing the modernization and testing the Patriot air defense system. This complex is capable of hitting ballistic missiles at ranges of up to 40 km and at altitudes of about 20 km. Further improvement of the Patriot PAC-3 complexes is associated with the use of Erint anti-missile missiles, which have high accuracy. For unit defense Marine Corps from tactical missile attacks, it was planned to complete the modernization of the Improved Hawk air defense system with the new AN/TPS-59 radar. Covering the coastal airborne forces from missile attacks is entrusted to the modernized shipborne air defense systems Aegis using Standard-2 missiles.

In addition, the combat control system was modernized, which had limited opportunities for detecting, processing and transmitting data on the launch of ballistic missiles and calculating their flight trajectory. To this end, the tactical information processing and communication system was improved so that it could use data from the Imeus space detection system. The information received from it makes it possible to more accurately calculate the launch point, flight path, estimated impact points of ballistic missiles and transmit necessary information on radars of anti-missile systems. Work was carried out to modernize the ship's SPY-1 radar, which should provide detection and tracking of ballistic missiles, as well as assets included in the Air Force (Awaks and Jistar control systems).

At the second stage (1996-1999), the main efforts were aimed at developing and testing the THAAD missile defense system and creating a zone defense that would minimize damage in the event of an enemy strike with ballistic missiles equipped with nuclear, chemical or biological munitions. The THAAD mobile missile defense system is designed to defeat ballistic missiles at ranges of up to 200 km and altitudes of up to 150 km. With its help, the first line of zonal missile defense will be created. The characteristics of the THAAD complex allow it to sequentially fire at one ballistic missile with two anti-missiles according to the “launch-assess-launch” principle, that is, the second anti-missile will be launched if the first one does not hit the target. In the event of a miss of the second anti-missile missile, the Patriot air defense system is put into operation, which will receive target designations from the GBR radar about the broken ballistic missile. According to the calculations of American experts, the probability of hitting a missile with such a two-echelon missile defense system will be more than 0.96. Work is underway to study the possibility of deploying THAAD interceptor missiles on ships to combat advanced ballistic missiles. In addition, it must be expanded space system"Brilliant Eyes" for detecting launches and tracking ballistic missiles.

Compound

The THAAD anti-missile (see diagram) consists of a warhead and an engine. The only (separable) stage is the solid propellant starting motor. The missile is equipped with a thrust vector control system and gas-dynamic spoilers in the nose. Interceptors begin to work soon after launch and provide control during movement. Thus, the flight of the rocket at the launch and middle sections of the trajectory is controlled using the rotating nozzle of the sustainer solid propellant engine. The characteristics of this engine ensure that the missile accelerates to a speed of about 2.5 km/s, making it possible to implement the concept of “re-firing” a ballistic target. The tail section of the rocket is a flexible, self-regulating and adaptable conical stabilizer to flight conditions, consisting of movable aerodynamic segment planes that rest on special gas bags. This design solution enhances the stabilizing effect when aerodynamic forces act on the rocket.

The intermediate compartment connecting the launch accelerator with the warhead contains a pyrotechnic composition, which, when exploding, separates the launch accelerator from the warhead.

The missile's warhead is a highly maneuverable direct-hit interceptor, the Kill Vehicle. This part of the missile is a technically complex device that searches for, locks on and then destroys a target using only kinetic energy high speed impact. A special fairing covers the interceptor during the atmospheric portion of the flight. This is necessary to reduce aerodynamic drag and protect the homing head window from aerodynamic heating. One of the main features of the interceptor is a gyro-stabilized multispectral infrared homing head (IR-GOS) with a sapphire window, made on the basis of indium antimonide (operating range 3-5 μm). In addition to the IR seeker, the interceptor is equipped with a command-inertial control system, a computer, a power supply, as well as a DACS (Divert Attitude Control System) maneuvering and orientation propulsion system, which ensures precise maneuvering of the missile along the trajectory.

Each division includes:

Radar for detecting and tracking ballistic targets GBR(Ground Based Radar),

control center BM/C41,

launchers (4 pieces),

anti-missiles "THAAD" (60 pieces).

The BM/C41 control center is mounted on a multi-purpose vehicle chassis and can function as a tactical command post for a division T.O.S.(Tactical Operation Station) and launcher fire control point LCS(Launcher Control Station). In an LCS configuration, the control center provides information exchange with other LCSs and transfers information to the TOS. Each battery has several BM/C41 control points. Their interchangeability ensures multiple redundancy of the fire control system, which increases the combat stability of the complex as a whole.

The GBR multifunctional radar solves the problems of detecting, tracking, identifying and classifying targets, as well as guiding anti-missile missiles to the target in the initial part of the trajectory. The GBR radar uses an active phased array antenna in the X-band with an antenna area of ​​about 10-15 m2 and a number of elements of about 24,000.

When developing the THAAD anti-aircraft missile system, special attention is paid to the possibility of its rapid redeployment and deployment. To significantly reduce the weight of the equipment, advanced technology and microelectronics were used in its production. So, if the redeployment of two divisions of the Patriot air defense system to Saudi Arabia during the war in the Persian Gulf required 73 sorties of the C-5A aircraft, 123 sorties of the C-141 aircraft, 14 civilian airliners and 23 sea vessels, then the transfer of two divisions of the THAAD air defense system will require only 50 sorties of the C-141 aircraft.

Performance characteristics

Testing and operation

Testing of the complex began on April 21, 1995 at the White Sands training ground and continued with varying success until 1999. Only the ninth launch, on March 29, 1999, demonstrated the functionality of the complex as a whole. During this flight, despite the failure of the interceptor's spatial orientation system at 23 seconds of flight and the cessation of receiving telemetric information at 58 seconds, the interceptor passed in close proximity to the Hera target missile.

During the tenth test launch on June 10, 1999, a target simulating a SCAD missile was successfully intercepted for the first time and confirmed technical feasibility implementation of such interception.

On August 2, 1999, during the eleventh test, a target simulating a detachable warhead was intercepted ballistic missile type SCAD, in upper layers atmosphere.

The American foreign policy department approved the deal to sell THAAD missile defense systems to Saudi Arabia. The contract amount is $15 billion. Earlier, an RBC source reported the sale of Russian S-400s to Riyadh

THAAD missile defense systems (Photo: U.S. Force Korea/AP)

The US State Department has approved the sale of THAAD ground-based missile defense systems to Saudi Arabia. This is stated in a press release (.pdf) published on the website of the Pentagon Defense Cooperation and Security Agency.

As noted in the military department, the cost of the contract will be $15 billion. This amount also takes into account the costs of service, supply of spare parts and equipment. The supply of weapons is planned as part of a general shipment of defensive weapons worth $110 billion.

As part of the contract, Saudi Arabia will receive 44 from Washington launchers THAAD, 360 missile defense interceptor missiles, 16 groups of THAAD mobile tactical fire and communications control stations, seven AN/TPY-2 THAAD radars, 43 tractors, generators, electrical units, trailers, communications equipment, etc. The American side also committed to training military personnel who will subsequently service anti-missile installations, as well as to providing contractor services for technical and logistics personnel, construction of facilities, and research.

This is exactly the kind of military support that the Saudi authorities, the Pentagon unit emphasizes, previously requested from Washington.

“This deal furthers foreign policy goals and national security United States, and also supports the long-term security of Saudi Arabia and the Persian Gulf region in the face of Iranian and other regional threats,” the US military said in a statement.

The Pentagon also assured that if the THAAD sale deal is approved by Congress, the deployment of THAAD systems in Saudi Arabia “will not change the basic military balance in the region.” The military also noted that the sale of the installations “will not adversely affect US defense.”

The announcement that the State Department has approved the transaction does not mean that the sale has already been legally completed. Next step the deal will be approved by the US Congress. Lawmakers will have 30 days to reject or approve the agreement.

After US President Donald Trump's visit to Saudi Arabia at the end of May (this was the Republican's first foreign trip as head of state), reports began to appear that the American side, during meetings with the Saudi government, discussed the possibility of selling American THAAD and Patriot complexes to Riyadh . The White House press secretary after the trip said that in total Saudi Arabia is ready to buy weapons from Washington for almost $110 billion. In addition, the contract package includes the supply of 150 American Black Hawk helicopters.

Earlier, on September 5, the Al-Arabiya TV channel reported that during a visit to Moscow, the Saudi king agreed with the Russian authorities on the purchase of anti-aircraft missile systems S-400. RBC's source at the Almaz-Antey concern, which produces these air defense systems, confirmed this information. Kommersant's interlocutors familiar with the progress of the negotiations say that the Saudi military can buy “at least four divisions” of S-400 from Moscow, the total amount of the deal will be about $2 billion. There are reports in the Kremlin about the deal