Russia Lures Buyers with S-400 Missile Alternative for Less

Russia continues its efforts to undermine American hegemony by undercutting US prices

S-400 Triumph NATO reporting name: SA-21 Growler С-400 «Триумф».JPG S-400 Triumph launch vehicle Type Mobile surface-to-air missile system Place of origin Russia Service history In service 28 April 2007 – present[1] Used by Russia Production history Designer Almaz-Antey Manufacturer Fakel Machine-Building Design Bureau Unit cost $400 million per fire unit (artillery battalion) that consists of 8 launchers, 112 missiles, command and support vehicles No. built ~320 (as of October 2017, there were at least 320 launchers (41 artillery battalions) deployed in 21 regiments)[2] Specifications Engine YAMZ-8424.10 Diesel V12 400 HP/294kW Transmission YAMZ Suspension Leaf spring Ground clearance 485 mm Operational range 380 km (40N6E missile) 250 km (48N6 missile) 120 km (9M96E2 missile) 40 km (9M96E missile) The S-400 Triumf (Russian: C-400 Триумф, Triumph; NATO reporting name: SA-21 Growler), previously known as the S-300 PMU-3,[3] is an anti-aircraft weapon system developed in the 1990s by Russia's Almaz Central Design Bureau as an upgrade of the S-300 family.

 S-400 Triumph launch vehicle is a mobile surface-to-air missile system with a range of 380 km. It functions as an anti-aircraft weapon system and was designed and manufactured in the 1990s by Russia’s Almaz Central Design Bureau. (Image courtesy of Wikipedia.)

Many countries have shown interest in buying the Russian S-400 missile system as opposed to the ones U.S. companies have developed due to the price tag – a mere $500,000.  The Raytheon U.S. Patriot Pac-2 battery system has a price of $1 billion, and the Lockheed Martin THAAD battery system is selling for $3 billion.

13 countries, so far, have shown their interest in the Russian product, and such a decision could lead to possible U.S. sanctions, which would fall under the Countering America’s Adversaries through Sanctions Act. The act was passed in August 2017 by President Donald Trump. China was hit with sanctions for their purchase of Russian missiles and fighter jets.

Still, the U.S. has the power to waive those sanctions.

The reason Russian arms tend to be cheaper than American ones is that they don’t come with a lot of maintenance support.  

Defense-Industrial Initiatives Group for the Center for Strategies and International Studies Director Andrew Hunter said the purchase of American military products means an investment and partnership with the U.S. military. This investment also means technical and maintenance support, which is the huge difference in the price.

The Pentagon has yet to make a comment about the news.

The S-400 system was introduced in 2007 and was introduced as a follow up to the S-200 and S-300 missile series system. The S-400 can reach even more targets, at a longer range and protect itself against many threats at one time.

According to one source, the S-400 even outdoes America’s pride and joy – THAAD.

Why are nations willing to deal with Russia over America? A source said it’s the tedious process the U.S. government imposes on the purchasing process. Many countries would rather buy quickly than go through the U.S. regulatory red tape. Since the S-400 doesn’t have near as many export restrictions, the Kremlin can speed up the sales process.

China, Turkey and India have signed a purchase agreement with Russia.  China, which is currently in trade talks with the U.S., will get its finally S-400 system shipment soon. India signed the agreement with Russia last month to get the S-400. NATO ally Turkey will get the S-400 in 2020 and will have it operational the same year.