Russian missile system to protect 2014 Winter Olympics
Russia’s military today deployed its first batch of new air defence missile systems which the air force chief said could be used to protect 2014 Winter Olympics in Russia’s Black Sea resort of Sochi.
General Alexander Zelin said he had already made an official proposal to use the S-400 missile defence for ensuring the security of the Sochi Games.
“The organising committee will prepare the city for the Olympics, while we will prepare air defence systems and ensure the security of the Games,” Zelin was quoted as saying by the Interfax news agency.
The S-400 is capable of hitting aerial targets at ranges up to 250 miles and altitude of up to 99,000 feet, far excelling its predecessor, the S-300, Russian news reports said.
The first unit of the S-400s was put on combat duty today near Moscow. Zelin and other officials boasted the new missile defense system’s ability to engage difficult targets, such as missile warheads and stealth aircraft.
