Russia has built an extensive air defense network that brings together systems of different ranges and roles, from the S-350 Vityaz and S-400 Triumf to the S-500 Prometey and various versions of the Pantsir-S missile and gun system. According to the Russian Defense Ministry, only Russia has the experience needed to create air defense formations of this scale.

The country marks Air Defense Missile Troops Day on July 8. On this date in 1960, a new branch of service — the Air Defense Missile Troops — was established within the Soviet Armed Forces. Today, these troops form part of the Aerospace Forces’ air and missile defense system.

The Defense Ministry said the Air Defense Missile Troops operate short-range, low-altitude, medium-range and long-range systems. This combination makes it possible to build layered protection and respond to different types of aerial threats.

The Air Defense Missile Troops are regarded as the main firepower component of Russia’s air defense system. Their mission is to protect the highest bodies of state and military command, troop groupings, major industrial and economic centers, and other important facilities from strikes launched from the air and from outer space.

Their list of targets includes aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, hypersonic weapons and other flying vehicles. The troops are also capable of engaging medium-range ballistic missiles and operational-tactical missiles, countering aerial reconnaissance and electronic warfare assets, and taking part in operations against airmobile units and airborne forces while they are still in flight.

The Defense Ministry noted that the breadth of these missions and the different conditions in which air defense units operate required the development of a wide range of systems. To counter the full spectrum of aerial threats, Russia has deployed a unified air defense system across its territory, including the special military operation zone. It is designed to shield key civilian and military facilities.

Since the start of the special military operation, radar crews and air defense missile units have continued to adapt to new threats, refine existing methods and develop new ways to fight aerial targets.

The Russian Defense Ministry stated that during the special military operation, Russian air defense systems confirmed their high combat capabilities while repelling strikes involving various means of air attack.