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Russia deploys new missile defence

MOSCOW: Russia has deployed new air defence missiles near Moscow that may also be used to protect the 2014 Winter Olympics in this country.

The S-400 Triumph missile complex operationalised on Monday near the town of Elektrostal about 50 km east of Moscow will protect the Russian capital from aerial attacks.

It is capable of intercepting aircraft, cruise and ballistic missiles, as well as warheads — any object flying at altitudes from 10 metres to 30 km within a range of 400 km.

Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Air Force Lieutenant-General Vadim Volkovitsky said the S-400 system was several times more effective than its predecessor, S-300.

Russia plans by 2015 to deploy the S-400 complexes in all major industrial regions.

It is also proposed to use the S-400 missiles to provide security for the Winter Olympic Games Russia will host in the Black Sea resort of Sochi in 2014.

The new anti-missile system was commissioned a day after Russian Navy Commander-in-Chief Vladimir Masorin announced that Russia is to start producing brand new intercontinental Bulava ballistic missiles for deployment on nuclear submarines.

Russia has stepped up defence preparations after the U.S. made plans to deploy elements of its global missile defences in Eastern Europe near Russian borders.

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