S-300V4 (RS-SA-23)

The S-300V4 is a highly mobile, long-range surface-to-air missile system designed to defend against ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as aircraft. It is an advanced upgrade of the S-300V (SA-12 Gladiator/Giant) system, featuring improved missile capabilities, radar systems, and extended engagement ranges.

Developed by Almaz-Antey to counter evolving Western stealth aircraft and tactical ballistic missile threats, the S-300V4 was designed as a deep modernization of the Cold War-era S-300V system. The system officially entered service with the Russian Ground Forces in 2014, utilizing tracked chassis for high off-road mobility and integrating new hypersonic interceptor missiles. It saw its first major overseas deployment to Syria in 2016 to secure the Tartus naval facility and has since been actively utilized in the conflict in Ukraine. Today, the S-300V4 remains Russia's premier mobile theater ballistic missile defense system, operating as a vital component of the military's layered air defense network.