Hidden threat: why Russia did not protect Syria from a missile attack. Military news: why didn't the Russians shoot down the Tomahawks? Why didn't the Russian air forces shoot down the tomahawks?

It is alleged that no more than half of the missiles fired from the Ross and Porter destroyers reached the Al-Shayrat air base of the Syrian government forces in Homs province. naval forces USA cruise missiles"Tomahawk". Despite the fact that sources deny this information, insisting on one missile that did not reach the target, according to the Russian military, combat effectiveness American missile strike for the Syrian airbase - extremely low.

At the same time, Moscow did not comment on the effectiveness of the latest domestic S-400 Triumph anti-aircraft missile system in Latakia, which is deployed to protect the Russian Khmeimim airbase.

Moreover, the American command warned the leadership of the Russian group in Syria two hours in advance about the upcoming strike.

The question of why not a single American Tomahawk was shot down Russian complex Air defense of the S-400, are asked, for example, in the specialized blog The Aviationist. According to the publication, cruise missiles flew through the “capture zone” of Russian air defense systems.

“At least on paper, the missiles are unlikely to be able to evade the S-400,” the publication writes. “Perhaps, given that they [the Russian military] were notified in advance, they simply decided to let them pass.”

The distance from Khmeimim, where only one division of the S-400 air defense system is deployed, to the Shayrat airbase is about 200 km. This is practically the far limit of the destruction zone of the S-400 anti-aircraft missile system. To hit a target at such a range, its height must be at least 8-9 km. If the target height is lower, the S-400 radar complex and the multifunctional radar of the anti-aircraft missile division simply will not see the target. This is due to the curvature earth's surface.

Approximately the same situation arises with the S-300V air defense system deployed in Tartus. From Tartus to Shayrat air base is about 100 km. At such a distance and due to the terrain, anti-aircraft missile system The S-300V will see targets at an altitude of only 6-7 km or more. And this is also explained by the same curvature of the earth’s surface and the heterogeneity of the terrain.

“Tomahawk cruise missiles fly at an altitude of 50-60 meters,” explained the former chief of the General Staff of the Air Defense Forces, Colonel General of Aviation, to Gazeta.Ru.

The far limit of the detection zone for targets of this type is 24-26 km in moderately rough terrain.

Immediately after detection of a cruise missile, it is necessary to open fire with a burst of at least two anti-aircraft guns guided missiles(SAM). Otherwise, it will simply leave the relatively small affected area in a matter of seconds. The meeting of the missile defense system with the Tomahawk in this case will occur at a distance of 12-14 km.

"That is, according to by and large the ability to fire cruise missiles is extremely limited in range,” emphasizes Igor Maltsev.

According to the military leader, the anti-aircraft missile divisions and batteries stationed in Khmeimim and Tartus could not, even theoretically, “reach” American cruise missiles.

According to Igor Maltsev, in order to effectively protect the Shayrat air base from missile attacks, at least 4-5 S-400 anti-aircraft missile divisions must be deployed in the area of the air base. In addition to this grouping, it is necessary to create a radar reconnaissance system to provide the necessary detection depth for cruise missiles. At a minimum, this will require a radio technical regiment consisting of several battalions and radar companies. This grouping must be tested in exercises and the effectiveness of the created fire system must be clarified.

In addition, the military leader emphasizes, the object must be protected by forces no less than a fighter aviation regiment on aircraft such as Su-30SM or Su-35.

And only then can we say that reliable air defense of the protected facility has been created. Nothing like this was created at the Al-Shayrat airbase. Therefore, doubt the effectiveness domestic weapons There are no reasons yet. Anti-aircraft rocket troops have not yet entered into battle, nor have Russian fighter aircraft participated in it.

To cover the most sensitive objects of the Syrian infrastructure, a set of measures will be implemented in the near future to strengthen and increase the efficiency of the system air defense Syrian armed forces, the Russian Ministry of Defense emphasizes.

Military observer Mikhail Khodarenok, in an article for the publication Gazeta.Ru, generally confirmed the opinion of his colleagues, explaining that with regard to Tomahawk-type cruise missiles, the S-400 is limited to a radius of about 25 km, and to cover the entire government territory will require the deployment of a large-scale group Air defense with several divisions.

The distance from Khmeimim, where only one division of the S-400 air defense system is deployed, to the Shayrat airbase is about 200 km, Khodarenok argues. This is practically the far limit of the destruction zone of the S-400 anti-aircraft missile system. To hit a target at such a range, its height must be at least 8-9 km. If the target height is lower, the S-400 radar complex and the multifunctional radar of the anti-aircraft missile division simply will not see the target. This is explained by the curvature of the earth's surface, the expert explains.

Approximately the same situation arises with the S-300V air defense system deployed in Tartus, he explains. From Tartus to Shayrat air base is about 100 km. At this distance and due to the terrain, the S-300V anti-aircraft missile system will see targets at an altitude of only 6-7 km or more. And this is also explained by the same curvature of the earth’s surface and the heterogeneity of the terrain.

“Tomohawk cruise missiles fly at an altitude of 50-60 meters,” explained Colonel-General of Aviation Igor Maltsev, former chief of the General Staff of the Air Defense Forces, to Gazeta.Ru.

The far limit of the detection zone for targets of this type is 24-26 km in moderately rough terrain.

Immediately after detection of a cruise missile, it is necessary to open fire with a burst of at least two anti-aircraft guided missiles (SAM). Otherwise, it will simply leave the relatively small affected area in a matter of seconds. In this case, the meeting of the missile defense system with the Tomahawk will occur at a distance of 12-14 km.

“That is, by and large, the capabilities of firing cruise missiles are extremely limited in range,” emphasizes Igor Maltsev.

According to the military leader, the anti-aircraft missile divisions and batteries stationed in Khmeimim and Tartus could not, even theoretically, “reach” American cruise missiles.

Material prepared

It was to this unexpected conclusion that General Konashenkov’s phrase about the Tomahawks reaching the target led the experts. I will not bore readers with details why this act is impossible - there are both political and purely technical reasons. The latter, however, are of a secondary nature - having missed the first launches, ours could well have worked on the launched missiles. But this is already a direct military clash, for which Russia and Syria did not sign an agreement, helping only in the fight against terrorists. The USA, de jure, is not such. But de facto, it’s clear where those who disagree can put themselves - after Yugoslavia, even the most slow-witted understood. And after Libya...

Konaenkov’s speech is interesting and self-sufficient in itself:

But the conspiracy theory is also beautiful. According to Russian objective monitoring data, only 23 missiles reached the Syrian airbase. The crash site of the remaining 36 cruise missiles is unknown,” Konashenkov said. Plus the video of the destruction in his own speech is clearly insufficient for 59 missiles. Based on this, let's start:

"... I trust the Russian Defense Ministry, writes chervonec:

a) it is possible to determine on the spot the number of missiles that reached the airfield
b) the shooting shows completely uncritical destruction

It is doubly surprising that there are no reports that Russia used the S-300 and S-400 complexes (only target illumination?) and its aircraft as air defense.

Another moment --- attack it came from the sea, from which the missile can’t fly very far --- 100 km and only 30 km over Syrian territory (from the Lebanese border). Respectively Syrian air defense for counteraction - nothing at all, time and distance.

So where did 61% of the missiles disappear? The rest... are missing?
23 flew, and 4 hit the target.

As a result, 59 cruise missiles costing almost 100 megabucks were spent on 6 old MiG-23s under REPAIR. And I feel sorry for the dining room."

It's really a shame for the dining room. As well as the dead. But the version is just developing. We start from the number 36. By the way, there was another missile that crashed there, the 37th. Remember: “At the number 37, the hops immediately fly off my face...”?:

The missiles clearly caused too little damage for their smart 59 brains, in fact, barely enough for two dozen:

Here's how Tomahawks hit targets:

Some of the open-air aircraft and some of the caponiers also survived here.

But let's develop topic 36:

"So, given: - how many missiles were fired from American destroyers: 59; - how many missiles flew to the ill-fated Syrian airfield: 23. The remainder: 36 missiles. Where did they go? Did they just scatter across the desert or fall into the sea? I don’t care It’s hard to believe, the Americans are too prudent and pragmatic to simply lose more than half of the missiles somewhere, especially since Tomahawks have long been used in punitive operations, starting with the Gulf War in 1991, then there was Yugoslavia, again Iraq, Libya .

It’s rare that Americans lost dozens of Tomahawks at once. Follow the numbers: 59 - 23 = 36... Intriguing biggrin Remember the number 36. Let's now look at performance characteristics The S-400 Triumph air defense system can be found on any military website, no one hides this data. Small screenshot:

American Tomahawks in Syria could have been shot down by our S-400 Triumph 59 - 36 = 23

Number of simultaneously fired targets (with full complement of air defense systems) 36. What does this mean? This means that 1 S-400 division is capable of simultaneously shooting down 36 targets. One S-400 division includes many different equipment: command post, radars, launchers themselves, technical assistance, etc. Launchers, those that we always see at parades (see photo below, for those who haven’t seen them), there are 12 pieces in the division, i.e. 12 x 4 = 48 missiles. This means that the number of missiles for 1 accurate salvo is quite enough. The height of destruction of targets is from 5 meters; cruise missiles are included in this category of targets.

American Tomahawks in Syria could have been shot down by our S-400 Triumph

Why am I so sure that the 1st S-400 division is based in Syria? Because it open information, which is in the public domain:

Based on all the data, we can conclude that there is 1 S-400 Triumph division in Syria, capable of destroying up to 48 targets, but 36 of them in one salvo. 36.

Here's another helpful information, for those who say that the Tomahawks were out of reach of our air defense.

Why am I so sure that the Tomahawks were destroyed by the S-400? And let's ask a counter question, why did the Americans suddenly want to release it at the airfield? Syrian army 59(!!!) cruise missiles? This huge swarm of metal, fire and explosives was released at one military airfield.

To completely paralyze such an airfield, it would take a couple of missiles to hit the runway, and that’s all. By the way, why exactly 59 and not 60, for example? Probably 1 rocket did not take off or fell somewhere on the deck. Such a swarm of missiles was needed to somehow get through our air defense. The maximum we can do in such a situation is to shoot down 48 missiles from an obvious enemy. It was decided to shoot down 36 out of 59 in one salvo.

The rest were most likely blinded and deafened by our electronic warfare, because... It is not entirely clear why the missiles did not hit the target exactly. Well, this is an assumption, I can’t vouch for the accuracy of the information. Or maybe the Americans didn’t set exact goals, but simply wanted to demonstratively pass through our air defense. And they passed, with losses, but they passed. As planned. By the way, this was a reason for all liberal media to shout that our air defense is leaky like a sieve and to start holding a funeral for the S-400.

But none of them counted our specific resources and downed enemy missiles. If we proceed from the fact that 59 missiles were launched not at the airfield, but to break through our air defense, then this can be considered a direct strike on us. Breakthrough in in this case It was a success, 23 missiles passed through our defenses. USA in Once again They openly show aggression towards Russia, but we do not see an adequate response. Or is it too early to expect any reaction, although... wait for the replenishment of S-400 divisions in Syria, there are clearly not enough resources there."

This is the version. For me, it’s incredible - it’s impossible to hide the launch of dozens of missiles - the network would already be bursting from the footage recorded on phones, fortunately there are plenty of people around our base, and especially no one was hiding this phenomenal success. But like a beautiful fairy tale, it has the right to life.

Why didn't Russia shoot down American missiles in Syria? “If Russia had responded to the United States, the fuse of a nuclear conflict would have been lit in the region,” experts say. But perhaps Putin did not stop this attack in order to help his sidekick Trump deliver the blow he needed and, through a show of force in the region, curb some of the criticism leveled at him?

Following the controversial and dubious suggestion that Assad used chemical weapon, the United States fired 59 Tomahawk missiles at Syria, of which only 23 reached their target. It's up on the agenda important question: why Russia and Syria did not repulse the US attack with the help missile systems S-300, S-400 and Buk-M2, which are located on combat duty in SAR?

From a cause-and-effect analysis, we conclude that the attack on Shayrat airfield was deliberately designed to cause little harm and was a ostentatious attack that gave rise to controversy.

S-300 missile systems produced Russian company The Almaz-Antey and S-400, called the SA-21 by NATO, are equipped with advanced technology and are capable of repelling air strikes carried out by military aircraft and cruise missiles. Moreover, this strong systems Long-range air defense preferred by Syria since 1991.

At the same time, it is known that the S-400 and Pantsir systems are located at Russian facilities located near al-Assad airport, as well as at Russian base in Tartus.

Why didn't it work?

It is noted that control over these air defense systems in Syria, received from Russia, is in the hands of the Syrian army, but it did not repulse the attack, which Russia knew about in advance. Moreover, Russia, which had advance notice of the attack, could have stopped the Tomahawk missiles before they hit their target by using the Pantsir system if it wanted.

Corresponding Member Russian Academy military sciences Sergei Sudakov, who answered questions addressed to him on this topic, gave a polemical comment: “If Syria used Russian systems Air defense in response to a US missile strike, this would mark the beginning nuclear conflict. But Russian leadership prevented the emergence of a possible nuclear conflict."

Further Sudakov continued: “The most main question The question everyone is asking today is why Russia didn’t use its air defense systems in Syria to shoot down US missiles. Most believe that Russia should have given such a response to repel US aggression in Syria. But if we had fired the missiles, we might not have woken up this morning. If Russia had responded to the United States, the fuse of a nuclear conflict would have been lit in the region.”

Reasonable actions

However, it cannot be said that such answers suit everyone. There are also those who are looking for other reasons underlying the fact that Russia did not repulse a blow that it knew about in advance. And the main reason for the suspicions that arise is that the United States refrained from causing any significant damage to the airfield at which they were aiming.

As another assumption that reinforces doubts, the view is voiced that Putin is playing a different geopolitical game and deliberately did not respond to this attack. Supporters of this point of view do not believe that if air defense systems were used, a “nuclear threat” would arise. World War", and believe that America was deliberately allowed to strike an empty airfield.

The number of those who believe that this attack was just a show of muscle flexing is quite large because, although Tomahawk missiles are effective weapons, their destructive power is not as high as that of bombs and missiles dropped from aircraft. In short, the attacked airfield could soon be brought back into working order, and, as reported today in Odatv.com, a day after the attack, Syria began to use the Shayrat airfield again, and planes were even seen taking off from here.

In that case, can we say that there is only one possibility left? Putin did not stop this attack to help his sidekick Trump deliver the blow he needed and, through a show of force in the region, curb some of the criticism leveled at him?