Rostov-on-Don. December, 31st. INTERFAX-YUG - Ka-52 helicopters, Su-25SM3 aircraft equipped with the latest sighting systems, as well as the S-350 Vityaz anti-aircraft missile system entered service with the 4th Army of the Air Force and Air Defense of the Southern Military District in 2021, Army Commander Lieutenant General Nikolai Gostev said in an interview with the Military Bulletin of the South of Russia newspaper.
"To date, the rate of new and upgraded models of equipment and weapons in the army is 88%. At the same time, the availability of modern aviation equipment is 81% (compared to last year, this figure increased by 3.5%), radio-electronic equipment is 82% (which is 7% higher than last year), and anti-aircraft missile forces equipment is 100%," Gostev said.
He also noted that in accordance with the state rearmament program for 2019-2025, deliveries of Su-34, Su-30SM, Su-35S, Ka-52, Mi-8AMTSh-VN helicopters, and new generation anti-aircraft missile systems are planned for our association.
Gostev mentioned that one of the anti-aircraft missile regiments of the association is currently being re-equipped with the latest air defense system.
In his opinion, this will significantly increase the effectiveness of repelling enemy air strikes on the most important protected objects of the Southern Military District, which is especially advisable given the current military-political situation near the southern borders of Russia.
The modern S-350 Vityaz anti-aircraft missile system, working in close cooperation with long-range air defense systems such as the S-300V4, S-400 and S-500, has already entered combat duty. This system allows you to hit not only aircraft, but also cruise missiles, as well as enemy drones.