MOSCOW. Aug 8 (Interfax-AVN) - The S-400 Triumf air defense missile system that passed state tests in July performs much better than its predecessor S-300 even though it uses an old missile, Alexander Lemansky, constructor general of the Almaz research and production association, said on Friday.
"In comparison with the S-300 system, Triumf's performance is much better with an old missile as far as protection from jamming, range of operation against small-size and high-speed aerodynamic and ballistic missile targets, and adaptive control over area surveillance, target detection and target tracking processes are concerned," Lemansky told Interfax-Military News Agency.
"The old missile of the S-300 system that is organic of Triumf's allowance of ammunition has passed all kinds of tests and has quite up-to-date combat specifications. As to Triumf's ground assets, they are absolutely new," Lemansky said.
Asked about prospects of creating a new missile for Triumf, Lemansky said the work on it is in full swing.
"The new missile has passed autonomous tests and will be submitted for system tests in 2003. Its development term, as well as development term of the system's ground components, is so long because of extremely unfavorable financial conditions," he said.
According to Lemansky, the Triumf system should be commissioned with the missile from the S-300 system in order to launch mass production of the system's ground components and initial batch, as well as its experimental operation in military units.
"When Triumf's tests with the new missile are over, ground assets of the initial batch will be fitted with new missiles. That is why it is necessary to launch mass production of the system immediately," the constructor general stressed.
The new missiles will be integrated in Triumf as soon as they are produced, he added.