The National Interest:
Russia has doubled the number of S-400 air defense system it deploys in its far east region as part of a larger military buildup in the region.
Reports in Russian state-media, citing the Russian Defense Ministry, say that Moscow has deployed yet another S-400 missile defense system to the Kamchatka Peninsula; according to the Russian defense ministry. The reports said that Russia ultimately intends to deploy five S-400 systems to protect Kamchatka’s skies.
The S-400 is one of the most advanced air defense systems in the world, and can be equipped with missiles with ranges between 120 km to 400 km (long-range). The system can shoot down anything from small aircraft to ballistic missiles carrying nuclear warheads.
The S-400 is already deployed around Moscow and St. Petersburg, and Severomorsk, which is where Russia’s Northern Fleet is based. According toRussia Today, Moscow has also deployed the S-400 system in its southern coasts near Japan.
While Russia is not at the moment poised to export the system, a deal for the future delivery of the system has already been struck with China. (Possession of such a system will certainly cause unease in Taiwan and Japan, especially.) Other countries wishing to acquire the system include Saudi Arabia and Turkey…
