The Washington Post talks about the formidable capabilities of Russia’s S-400 air defense system, acknowledging its potential to target stealth fighters, including the highly publicized F-35 Lightning II.
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The Russian S-400 system stands out as the global pinnacle of air defense systems. On the other hand, the F-35 is hailed as the most successful fifth-generation stealth aircraft that dominates the global fighter jet market.
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The S-400 Triumf, also known as the SA-21 Growler in NATO circles, has an impressive array of capabilities, including the ability to launch various missiles tailored to attack different aerial threats. With a range of nearly 400 kilometers and counterintelligence capabilities, the Triumf earned a reputation as a formidable adversary.
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The S-400’s ability to counter any aircraft was an important factor in its export success. For example, India, which has signed a contract for five S-400 missile systems, has put its trust in this advanced Russian air defense system to counter China’s fifth-generation fighter jet, the J-20.
The Washington Post article, which cites military experts, signals a departure from the West’s usual skepticism about the S-400’s ability to counter stealth technology, Eur Asian Times writes.
US hesitant to deploy F-35 next to S-400?
While the possibility of a clash between these two formidable weapons systems may seem remote, concerns about their coexistence are very real.
The Turkish problem
At the heart of the issue is the fear that the S-400 could compromise the F-35’s sensitive technology and operational capabilities. The diplomatic fallout from NATO member Turkey’s purchase of the S-400 is a telling example of the tensions surrounding this issue.
The dispute between Turkey and the United States over the purchase of the S-400 in 2019 led to Ankara’s exclusion from the F-35 program, effectively halting all training and delivery processes related to the fighter jets. This divergence underscores the seriousness with which the United States views the potential risks associated with the F-35 and S-400 showdown.
Kathryn Wheelbarger, then the US Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense, succinctly summed up this concern when she openly admitted that the S-400 was specifically designed to target and neutralize aircraft like the F-35.
