The 9K81 S-300V "Antey-300" (Russian 9К81 С-300В "Антей-300" - Antaeus, NATO reporting name SA-12 "Gladiator"/"Giant") is a Russian long-range, high-altitude surface-to-air missile system designed primarily to intercept incoming ballistic missiles. Its counterpart is the S-300P (NATO reporting name SA-10 "Grumble"), which is designed to intercept cruise missiles and other aircraft. The system is very similar to the S-300P in terms of configuration, but unlike the SA-10 there are two different sizes of missiles. The smaller 9M82 missiles, called SA-12B "Gladiator" by NATO, are similar in size and range to those of the SA-10 system. However the 9M83 (SA-12A "Giant") missiles are much larger and only two can be carried on each TELAR, rather than four. These vehicles, in combination with the command vehicle and "Grill Pan" tracking radar, "Bill Board A" surveillance radar and "High Screen" ballistic missile detection radar, scan a specific area of the sky and engage aerial theats including ballistic missiles which are detected transiting it. The "Gladiator" missiles have a maximum engagement range of around 75 km (47 miles) while the "Giant" missiles can engage targets out to 100 km (62 miles) and up to altitudes of around 32 km (100,000 ft). In both cases the warhead is around 150 kg (331 lb).

The People's Republic of China may be operating S-300V systems under the designation Hongqi-18 (HQ-18).

S-300VM "Antey-2500"

References

• Federation of American Scientists page