Russian Source Says S-400 Systems Intercept Western Missiles Targeting Su-34, Su-35

Russian defense sources claim that surface-to-air missile systems (SAMs) are being used not only to engage aircraft but also to intercept Western-supplied missiles aimed at Russian combat jets during the conflict in Ukraine.

A source told TASS that Ukrainian forces have been deploying U.S.-made Patriot, French-Italian SAMP/T, and Soviet-era S-200 systems against Russian Su-34 and Su-35 aircraft since late 2023. In response, Russian air defense crews have reportedly intercepted nearly two dozen guided missiles traveling at supersonic speeds of up to 3.5 Mach.

"About half of the intercepted projectiles were MIM-104D Patriot missiles," the source said, adding that the S-400 systems have demonstrated the greatest effectiveness in this role.

The interceptions represent a shift in air defense operations: Russian SAMs countering enemy SAMs in midair to protect their own aircraft while on strike missions.

"Systematic interceptions of anti-missiles in a combat situation with such effectiveness have no analogues in the history of air defense," the source said.