This is a big win. S-400 are difficult to replace strategic assets. Hopefully this opens up future holes in Russian air defense as they scramble to replace the missing pieces.

[–] The_v@lemmy.world 25 points 5 days ago

They hit 2 radars. The most expensive part of the system. Makes the rest of the launchers in the system unusable until the radars are repaired or replaced.

[–] NotMyOldRedditName@lemmy.world 16 points 5 days ago* (last edited 5 days ago) (1 children)

Pretty much every one of these that goes down will do that. The only question is, is the hole anywhere near the front, or is Russia opening their rear to an attack of opportunity from another country.

[–] AAA@feddit.org 5 points 4 days ago (1 children)

Like which country would do that? Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Japan? China won't, because they own Russia already. They'd actually start defending Russia, to protect their own interests.

Also attacking Russia might be the fastest way to find out if their nuclear arsenal is working or not. They cannot use nukes in Ukraine because of NATO, but I'm not sure if they would have the same concerns if say Kazakhstan tried anything.

[–] NotMyOldRedditName@lemmy.world 8 points 4 days ago* (last edited 4 days ago)

Maybe Georgia will try to reclaim some of their land? But I guess that might not be impacted by air defence.

I was mainly thinking China though if it became tempting enough.