Russia makes use of S-300 at Ukrainian MiG-29s one down, one escapes

Within the Kharkiv area, close to the town of Volchansk, two Ukrainian MiG-29s launched airstrikes on Russian positions within the space. In line with a Telegram account, TG Mach, the S-300 anti-aircraft system primarily based in Belgorod responded by firing three missiles. One missile struck and downed a Ukrainian MiG-29, whereas the opposite two missed, permitting the second MiG-29 to evade. 

Picture credit score: YouTube

Volchansk sits proper on the border between Russia and Ukraine, solely about 60 km from Belgorod. The Ukrainian jets reportedly originated from Poltava, which lies over 345 km away from Volchansk. Experiences point out the downed MiG-29 crashed south of the town, engulfed in flames on the bottom. As of now, there’s no replace on the crew’s situation, with no parachutes reported. 

Hypothesis suggests the downed plane may need been a part of the Slovak Air Drive, as an ex-Slovak MiG-29AC, geared up with 5 GBU-39B SDB, was bombs noticed close to the frontline simply the day earlier than.

Russia armed S-300 and S-400 with different missiles for better defense flexibility
Picture credit score: BBC

Slovakia donated 13 MiG-29s to Ukraine

Final 12 months, Slovakia made a big transfer by transferring 13 MiG-29AS fighters from its air drive to Ukraine. The planes have been handed over in March-April 2023, with 4 flown by Ukrainian pilots and the rest transported by floor. 

At the moment, the precise variety of plane within the Ukrainian Armed Forces Air Drive is unsure. Experiences nonetheless point out MiG-29 and Su-27 fighters, confirming their energetic presence. Moreover, Ukraine operates Su-24 front-line bombers. Whereas Ukraine additionally possesses Su-25s, current observations point out an absence of reviews about their involvement within the ongoing battle.

Slovakia says goodbye to MiG-29s, and Ukraine hopes to get them
Picture credit score: World Look Press

How does the S-300 take down the MiG-29?

The S-300 system, developed by the Soviet Union and later Russia, is a long-range surface-to-air missile system designed to detect, monitor, and intercept plane, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles. 

Detection begins with the S-300’s radar methods, which embody the 64N6E Huge Hen surveillance radar and the 30N6E Flap Lid engagement radar. The Huge Hen radar has a detection vary of as much as 300 km and is able to monitoring a number of targets concurrently. As soon as a goal is detected, the knowledge is relayed to the Flap Lid radar, which offers extra exact monitoring and goal illumination. 

Greece has Soviet S-300, but will not be sanctioned, the US said
Picture credit score: AFP

The Flap Lid radar is crucial for guiding the missile to its goal. It locks onto the goal and constantly updates its place, velocity, and trajectory. This radar can monitor targets at a spread of as much as 200 km, guaranteeing that the system can preserve a lock on the goal even because it strikes. 

As soon as the goal is locked, the command and management unit of the S-300 system processes the information and selects the suitable missile for interception. The system sometimes makes use of the 5V55 or 48N6 sequence of missiles, that are geared up with semi-active radar-homing steering methods. These missiles depend on the continual illumination of the goal by the Flap Lid radar to residence in on their goal.

Because the missile is launched, it receives mid-course updates from the Flap Lid radar to appropriate its trajectory and guarantee it stays on track. This part of flight is essential for intercepting fast-moving targets, because it permits the missile to regulate its path in response to any evasive maneuvers by the goal. 

Russia located S-300 'Country Air Defense' near the Gulf of Finland
Picture credit score: AFP

Upon reaching the terminal part, the missile’s onboard radar seeker takes over, offering exact steering for the ultimate method. This seeker ensures that the missile can precisely residence in on the goal, even when it makes an attempt last-minute evasive actions. The missile is designed to detonate its warhead close to the goal, maximizing the chance of a profitable interception. 

The mixing of these superior radar methods, missile steering applied sciences, and command and management mechanisms permits the S-300 system to successfully detect and intercept targets at distances of almost 60 km. Its capacity to trace a number of targets and supply steady updates ensures a excessive chance of profitable engagement, making it a formidable element of Russia’s air protection capabilities.

The Slovak MiG-29AS

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Picture credit score: Medium

The Slovak MiG-29AS is an upgraded model of the Soviet-era MiG-29 fighter jet, tailor-made to satisfy NATO requirements. When it comes to dimensions, the MiG-29AS has a size of roughly 17.32 meters [56.8 feet], a wingspan of 11.36 meters [37.3 feet], and a peak of 4.73 meters [15.5 feet]. Its most takeoff weight is round 18,000 kilograms [39,683 pounds]. 

The propulsion system of the MiG-29AS consists of two Klimov RD-33 turbofan engines. Every engine offers a thrust of 18,300 pounds-force [81.4 kN], enabling the plane to achieve a most velocity of Mach 2.25 [2,400 km/h or 1,490 mph] and a service ceiling of 18,000 meters [59,055 feet]. 

The avionics suite within the MiG-29AS has been considerably modernized to incorporate NATO-compatible methods. Key elements embody the AN/ARC-210 VHF/UHF radio, the APX-113 IFF [Identification Friend or Foe] transponder, and the LINS-100 INS [Inertial Navigation System]. Moreover, it contains a modernized cockpit with multifunctional shows [MFDs] and a Head-Up Show [HUD]. 

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Picture credit score: Dzen.ru

The MiG-29AS incorporates a number of superior applied sciences to reinforce its operational capabilities. These embody a digital fly-by-wire management system, improved radar methods just like the N019ME radar, and superior digital warfare [EW] suites for self-protection in opposition to enemy threats. 

Concerning armament, the MiG-29AS is provided with a 30mm GSh-30-1 autocannon for close-range fight. It could actually additionally carry quite a lot of air-to-air missiles, such because the R-27 [AA-10 Alamo] and R-73 [AA-11 Archer], in addition to air-to-ground munitions just like the Kh-29 [AS-14 Kedge] missile and varied unguided bombs and rockets for floor assault missions.

2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine

Meet the S-300PMU: a different chess piece that outsmarts the F-35
Picture credit score: Reddit

On February 21, 2022, Russia acknowledged that its border facility was attacked by Ukrainian forces, ensuing within the deaths of 5 Ukrainian fighters. Nevertheless, Ukraine shortly dismissed these allegations, labeling them as ‘false flags’.

In a notable transfer on the identical day, Russia introduced it formally acknowledged the self-proclaimed areas of DPR and LPR. Curiously, in keeping with Russian President Putin, this recognition lined all of the Ukrainian areas. Following this declaration, Putin despatched a battalion of Russia’s navy forces, tanks included, into these areas.

Quick ahead to February 24, 2022, international headlines have been dominated by a vital incident. Putin commanded a forceful navy assault on Ukraine. Led by Russia’s spectacular Armed Forces positioned on the Ukrainian border, this assault wasn’t spontaneous however a premeditated motion. Regardless of the circumstances resembling a struggle, the Russian authorities refrains from utilizing this time period. They’d fairly seek advice from it as a “particular navy operation”.

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