The Armed Forces of Ukraine are reinforcing their air and missile defense, reactivating unique S-300V1 strategic air defense systems.

Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, the two military unit that equipped with S-300V1 anti-ballistic missile systems ended up in Ukraine.

The 25th anti-aircraft missile brigade (A1181) was deployed in Stryi, Lviv region and 137th anti-aircraft missile brigade (A3024) in Uman, Cherkasy region. Gradually, both brigades armed with S-300V1 systems have been disbanded from 2002 to 2012, despite the protest of the military.

Since 2014, as when a large number of Ukrainian air defense systems were inoperable, there has been a strong drive to return S-300V1 systems that designed to defeat short- and medium-range ballistic missile, aeroballistic, and cruise missiles.

All every resource were focused to repair and restore existing systems that are able to withstand the threat from the Russian Iskander and Caliber missile systems.

The unique features of S-300V1 air defense system consist in that is the world’s only truly mobile Anti Ballistic Missile system. The S-300V system is a mobile multi-channel long-range surface-to-air missile system. It can provide effective theatre missile and air defence.

The system has high jamming immunity, and therefore is capable of engaging aerial targets in heavy ECM and fire counteraction, in any weather, by day and night. Only systems of this type can repel an attack of medium-range ballistic or cruise missiles.

The S-300V1 is intended to defeat tactical, theater and medium-range ballistic missiles, as well as aerodynamic targets at a range of up to 200 km. The system is mounted on a tracked cross-country vehicle equipped with self-contained power supply and navigation systems, as well as surveying and positioning equipment.

The S-300V1 systems will unveil to the public during Ukraine’s Independence Day on Aug. 24.