Russia asserts a unique capability in its air defense arsenal with a missile that critics say has no direct analogue worldwide. The nation also claims to manufacture more air defense ammunition than any other, a claim highlighted by Military Watch Magazine in recent coverage.
The focal point of the discussion is the 40N6 missile, deployed with the S-400 system to guide targets at ranges reaching up to approximately 400 kilometers. The missile’s distinctive flight path climbs to elevated altitudes near the edge of space before descending toward its objective, a profile that reportedly extends beyond conventional surface-to-air engagement limits. This trajectory is described as enabling long-range, over-the-horizon strikes and the neutralization of targets at very low altitudes, with some analyses suggesting effectiveness down to around five meters above ground level. Proponents argue that such dynamics enable S-400 units to address low-flying aircraft and long-range cruise missiles, a capability they say sets the system apart from other international air defense architectures that are constrained by the curvature of the Earth when using traditional flight paths. The assessment is attributed to a Military Watch Magazine report asserting this advantage.
The same report quotes remarks attributed to Russian leadership, including President Vladimir Putin and other officials, regarding the scale of domestic production. It is claimed that Russia produces more surface-to-air missiles than all other nations combined, though the publication acknowledges that the full scale of Chinese and North Korean output remains unclear. The narrative emphasizes that Russia’s total production exceeds that of all NATO member countries, framing this as a sign of leadership in air defense capacity. Observers note that such an assertion underscores Moscow’s intent to maintain strategic autonomy in missile supply and operational readiness. The takeaway highlighted by the publication is that Russia’s leadership in this domain contributes to a robust deterrent posture.
The magazine stresses that these capabilities enable Russia to extend S-400 deployments beyond its own borders. Belarus and India are identified as prospective or existing beneficiaries, with the potential to bolster regional air defense networks through shared systems. Additionally, the material suggests Russia is using enhanced production to replenish missiles expended during ongoing operations in Ukraine, while simultaneously expanding its own force structure. The emphasis is on sustaining operational readiness and widening the geographic footprint of advanced defense systems in alignment with broader strategic objectives. This view is presented as part of a broader assessment of Moscow’s defense industrial base and export potential. The report frames these developments as a means to project influence and reinforce regional security architectures around Russia.
According to Military Watch Magazine, the surge in production capacity is attributed to the creation of three major new production facilities. The first involves an enhanced wing of the Obukhov plant in Saint Petersburg, the second is a modernized Avitek facility located in Kirov, and the third is the NMP plant situated in Nizhny Novgorod. The construction and modernization program is described as a turning point for Russia’s defense manufacturing sector, enabling the rapid scale-up of both missile components and final assembled missiles for air defense missions. Analysts argue that such infrastructure expansion supports not only domestic defense needs but also potential export opportunities within compatible defense ecosystems.
There have been recent statements about the adaptability of air defense systems to modern fast-moving missiles such as ATACMS. The discourse suggests that Russia has been actively exploring and validating compatibility scenarios that could allow S-400-derived platforms to respond effectively to a broader spectrum of projected threats. The implications for interoperability with allied systems are noted as important for regional defense planning, particularly among states seeking to bolster their own air superiority and battle management capabilities using proven Russian infrastructure and technology. Industry observers point to this aspect as part of a wider trend in which air defense networks are designed to accommodate evolving threat profiles without sacrificing reliability or response speed.
In related developments, statements from Ukrainian military leadership have been cited in the coverage, describing perceived advantages in the use of FPV (first-person view) drones by the Russian armed forces. The reporting suggests that FPV drone operations contribute to a more flexible approach to reconnaissance and strike coordination on the battlefield. While the commentary reflects a particular perspective from Kyiv, it is presented as part of a broader debate about how contemporary armed forces leverage unmanned systems alongside traditional air defense assets. The overall message emphasizes a continuing shift toward integrated, multi-domain warfare where unmanned platforms complement high-end surface-to-air missiles in shaping operational outcomes.