SOURCE:
https://worldview.stratfor.com/article/why-s-400-s400-missile-long-range-turkey-russia-syria-effective

ASSESSMENTS

Why the S-400 Missile is Highly Effective — If Used Correctly

Jul 12, 2019

An S-400 surface-to-air missile launcher is seen in Moscow, Russia. The Russian S-400 is arguably one of the very best all-around strategic SAM systems in operation today, and an even better replacement in the form of the S-500 is currently in development.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Modern long-range surface-to-air missile systems provide some of the most effective air defense in existence. 
• However, extended-range SAMs are also inherently vulnerable to standoff and saturation attacks if not properly supported. 
• Ultimately, the effectiveness of long-range SAMs depends on the country where they are deployed and how that country uses them. 

Russian surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) continue to dominate the headlines. The country's long-range S-400 SAM systems recently made landfall in Turkey, much to the consternation of the West, while its older S-300 variants have been exported to a variety of countries, including Syria. Public discussions persist over whether Gulf states should buy long-range Russian air defense platforms — as opposed to American ones — or whether Iran could acquire S-400s to bolster its air defenses. Given the system's power, it's no wonder that such sales are dominating the news. But the reality remains that the value of long-range SAMs does not directly equal their theoretical capabilities, depending far more on who is using the system — and how.