Russian S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems are to be sold to China, providing Beijing with a defence system capable of deterring even the most advanced air powers from infringing on Chinese airspace, it was revealed last week. An unidentified source from Russia’s Ministry of Defence has told the business magazine Vedomosti that Russia’s arms export agency Rosoboronexport have signed an an agreement with China for the delivery of at least six divisions of the S-400 system worth over $3bn.
The S-400 is a next-generation air defence system that was originally designed to counter the increasing air power of the U.S. and which can shoot down ballistic missiles. Built by Almaz-Antey, it is primarily used by the Russian military but is also available for export. It has a range of of up to 400km, an altitude capability of up to 30km and is said to be ideal for defending cities, military bases and sensitive facilities from enemy aircraft.
The news comes a week after Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu visited Beijing and agreed to deepen military-industrial ties and hold more joint naval exercises with China.The Moscow Times