China to conduct the first test of Russian-made S-400 air defense systems
China plans to conduct its first firing tests of the newly acquired, Russian-made S-400 air defense systems in late July to early August, TASS news agency reports, citing a military-diplomatic source to TASS.
"In late July to early August, the unit of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army that underwent training in Russia will carry out the firing against a simulated ballistic target at a Chinese firing ground," the agency’s source said. Russia’s Federal Service for Military and Technical Cooperation did not comment on the information provided by the source.
Another source told TASS that China received the first batch of S-400 missile systems last week. After the contract was signed, the systems were delivered to China.
News that Russia signed a contract for sales of S-400 systems to China appered in November 2014. In November 2015, Putin’s aide on Military and Technical Cooperation, Vladimir Kozhin confirmed these reports. China became the first foreign buyer of these systems and will receive two batches.
The S-400 Triumf is a long- and medium-range air defense missile system designed to hit air attack weapons including stealth aircraft. The S-400 can strike targets at a distance of up to 250 km and at altitudes of 35 km.