Why couldn't Russia's S-400, renowned for air defense, stop the "Spider Web" attack? हवाई हल्ला रोखण्यासाठी एस 400 विख्यात असतानाही रशियाला हल्ला का रोखता आला नाही?

 

The recent "Operation Spider Web" drone attacks on Russian airbases, which reportedly damaged numerous aircraft, have raised questions about the effectiveness of Russia's air defense systems, including the highly touted S-400. While the S-400 is a formidable system designed to intercept high-altitude threats like aircraft and missiles, it faced unique challenges in this scenario.

Here are some key reasons why Russia struggled to stop these attacks:

• Low-Altitude, Close-Range Launches from Within Russia: Many of the drones were reportedly launched from within Russian territory, possibly from hidden containers mounted on trucks. This meant they flew at extremely low altitudes, below the radar detection range of long-range systems like the S-400. The S-400 is primarily designed for high-flying, long-distance threats, not close-range, low-altitude incursions originating from behind its own defense perimeter.
• Intelligence Failure: Experts suggest that the primary failure was not with the S-400 system itself, but with Russian intelligence. Ukraine had reportedly been planning this operation for over a year, potentially transporting drones into Russia. Russian agencies failed to detect this significant threat beforehand.
• Swarm Attacks and Overwhelming Defenses: Reports indicate a large number of drones were launched, potentially overwhelming local defenses. While the S-400 is powerful, a coordinated swarm attack can challenge even advanced systems, especially if the drones are small and fly at very low altitudes.
• Deployment Errors and Lack of Layered Defense: In some instances, S-400s may have been deployed in isolation without adequate support from shorter-range air defense systems (like Pantsir or Tor) that are better suited to counter low-flying drones. A multi-layered defense system, as employed by countries like India, combines various systems to address different threat altitudes and ranges.
• Targeting of S-400 Units: Ukraine has also employed tactics to destroy S-400 systems themselves, sometimes by using drones to target radars and antennas before launching missile attacks.

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Has Russia's air defense system been questioned? रशियाच्या हवाई संरक्षण प्रणालीवर प्रश्नचिन्ह निर्माण झालं आहे का

Yes, Russia's air defense system has certainly been questioned following these recent large-scale drone attacks. While Russian authorities have acknowledged the attacks, the reported extent of the damage has highlighted significant vulnerabilities.

The "Operation Spider Web" demonstrates a shift in the conflict, where low-cost drones are effectively challenging multi-million dollar military assets. This has put Russia's ability to protect its strategic airbases and other critical infrastructure under scrutiny, especially considering its claims of advanced air defense capabilities. It suggests that while systems like the S-400 are powerful, they are not impenetrable, particularly against innovative and adaptable drone warfare tactics.

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Why couldn't Russia's S-400, renowned for air defense, stop the "Spider Web" attack?

Has Russia's air defense system been not effective in stopping attack spider web?

The "Spider Web" attack you’re referring to likely alludes to a mass drone and missile swarm strategy used by Ukraine (or possibly NATO-backed efforts) to saturate Russian air defense systems—particularly the S-400, which is widely considered one of the most advanced long-range air defense systems in the world.

Why the S-400 Struggled: Key Reasons

1. Saturation Tactics Overwhelming Defenses

• The “Spider Web” name metaphorically describes a multi-vector, swarm-style assault using drones, cruise missiles, and decoys from multiple directions.
• Even advanced systems like the S-400 have a limited number of interceptors and simultaneous target engagement capability. A mass swarm can overwhelm the radar and fire-control systems.
• Once overwhelmed, lower-value targets like drones can sneak through gaps in the defensive coverage.

2. S-400 is Designed for High-Value Threats

• The system is optimized to counter fighter jets, AWACS, ballistic missiles, and high-speed cruise missiles—not cheap, small FPV drones, loitering munitions, or decoy swarms.
• Ukraine is using a large number of low-cost, commercially modified drones which don't justify the use of a million-dollar interceptor.

3. Electronic Warfare and Stealth Tactics

• Ukraine has improved its electronic warfare and jamming capabilities, sometimes blinding radars or confusing tracking systems.
• Some drones have low radar cross-sections and fly low and slow, evading detection from long-range radars.

4. Geography and Limitations

• Many drone attacks have hit deep inside Russian territory (e.g., airbases near Moscow or Belgorod), areas where layered defenses might not have been fully deployed or alert levels were low.
• Russian early warning systems may have failed to detect or respond in time, especially at night or during poor weather.

5. Systemic Gaps in Air Defense Integration

• The S-400 is only one layer of a larger air defense network. Without proper integration with short-range systems (like Pantsir-S1 or Tor-M2), *

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Has Operation Spider Web Questioned Russia's Defense System? ऑपरेशन स्पायडर वेबमुळे रशियाच्या संरक्षण प्रणालीवरच प्रश्नचिन्ह उभं केलं आहे का?

Yes, Operation Spider Web has definitely raised significant questions about Russia's defense system. The drone attacks, reportedly originating from within Russian territory and causing damage to strategic airbases, exposed vulnerabilities that many didn't anticipate, especially given Russia's advanced air defense capabilities like the S-400. This kind of sophisticated, low-altitude, and seemingly coordinated attack suggests that even top-tier systems can be challenged by innovative and asymmetric warfare tactics. It highlights that no defense system is foolproof, and constant adaptation to new threats is crucial.

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Has This Type of Warfare Changed the Definition of Traditional Warfare? अशा प्रकारच्या युद्धनितीमुळं पारंपारिक युद्धाची परिभाषा बदलली आहे का?

Absolutely, this type of warfare is undeniably changing the definition of traditional warfare. For centuries, conventional warfare revolved around large armies, tanks, aircraft, and navies engaging in direct combat. However, with the rise of drone technology, cyber warfare, and information operations, the battlefield is evolving.

Here's how:

• Asymmetric Advantage: Drones offer a cost-effective way for less powerful actors to inflict significant damage on more technologically advanced adversaries. A relatively inexpensive drone can potentially destroy or damage a multi-million dollar aircraft.
• Blurred Frontlines: Attacks can originate from unexpected locations, sometimes deep within enemy territory, blurring traditional frontlines and making defense more complex.
• Intelligence and Preparation are Key: The success of operations like Spider Web relies heavily on intelligence gathering, infiltration, and the ability to operate undetected for extended periods. This shifts the focus from pure firepower to strategic planning and covert operations.
• Psychological Impact: These attacks can have a significant psychological impact, undermining public confidence in defense systems and creating a sense of vulnerability.

This shift indicates a move towards more unconventional, technologically driven conflicts where agility, innovation, and intelligence play as crucial a role as traditional military might.

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Is This Type of Attack a Warning to All Countries? अशा प्रकारचा हल्ला सर्वच देशांना सावधानतेचा इशारा आहे का?

Without a doubt, this type of attack serves as a major warning to all countries. The lessons from Operation Spider Web are universal:

• Vulnerability to Drones: No country is immune to the threat of sophisticated drone attacks, especially those launched by non-state actors or adversaries employing novel tactics.
• Need for Adaptive Defense: Relying solely on traditional, long-range air defense systems is no longer sufficient. Countries need to develop comprehensive, multi-layered defense strategies that include counter-drone technologies, short-range air defenses, electronic warfare capabilities, and robust intelligence networks.
• Importance of Internal Security: The potential for attacks originating from within national borders necessitates enhanced internal security measures and vigilance against covert operations.
• Investment in Counter-Drone Technology: Research and development into effective counter-drone measures, including jammers, laser systems, and even specialized interceptor drones, is paramount.
• Continuous Threat Assessment: Nations must constantly assess evolving threats and adapt their defense doctrines and capabilities accordingly.

The "Spider Web" operation underscores that the future of warfare will likely involve a mix of traditional and unconventional methods, making it imperative for all nations to prepare for a new era of complex and unpredictable threats.