Yan Novikov, director general of the Almaz-Antey aerospace defense concern, says the upgraded S-400 surface-to-air missile systems now allow Russia to neutralize a wide range of threats. According to him, the modernization has given these air defense systems capabilities that are not typical for traditional air defense platforms.

He pointed out that the world is currently living through a rapidly advancing scientific and technological revolution, and one of its key arenas remains the defense industry. In such conditions, the speed of change, Novikov argued, leaves no room for delay when responding to new challenges.

As cited by TASS, he described the S-400’s «enormous modernization potential» as one of those responses, noting that it makes it possible during the special military operation to quickly counter emerging threats. Thanks to this potential, he said, the S-400 «Triumf» has acquired new functions and characteristics.

The Russian Ministry of Defence has repeatedly reported successful combat use of the S-400 system. On 19 November 2024, Ukrainian forces launched a strike with six US-made ATACMS missiles against a target in Bryansk Region. The ministry stated that the S-400 crew shot down five of the missiles and damaged the sixth.