The SA-21 Growler
The S-400 Triumf (NATO reporting name SA-21 Growler) is a mobile, surface-to-air missile system (SAM) designed by Russia. It is capable of engaging aircraft, UAVs, cruise missiles, and has a terminal ballistic missile defense capability. It represents the fourth generation of long-range Russian SAMs, and the successor to the S-200 and S-300.
According to Missile Threat CSIS Missile Project, the longest reach for the S-400 is 400 km with speeds of around Mach 14, giving the jet fighters little time to respond.
Now, given the S-400 defense system unique capabilities, could an F-16 win an engagement against it?
F-16 Vs S-400
Eric Wicklund, former US Navy Operations Specialist, explains on Quora;
‘The S-400 can, it was designed for engaging aerial targets. By the same token, the F-16, armed with the AGM-88 HARM missile, can destroy the S-400.
‘Between the two, it’s an Old West gunfight. Either one can win.
‘A lot will be decided by the equipment used and the training of the operators. Given the usual shoddy training of the Russian users, I’m banking on the F-16 to win such an engagement most of the time. Not all of the time, mind you, but usually.
‘How far an S-400 can locate and shoot a target depends on how high it is flying. If the target, (an F-16 armed for the SEAD mission, for instance) is flying below 6,000 feet, it can get within 100 miles of the S-400 before the S-400 can spot it.
Both sides are capable of destroying each other
‘The standoff range of early HARM missiles is 80 miles. Meaning the F-16 will have to sneak in closer and hope an S-400 operator is asleep at the wheel or distracted by something like drones (Ukraine is very good at using drones to distract Triumf operators), before the F-16 can launch its missile and destroy the Triumf radar.
‘On the other hand, the range of the newer HARM AGM-88G is 160 miles. This means an F-16 can launch on the S-400, turn around and head home, before the S-400 even realizes the enemy was there, and one that’s already launched a missile at it.’
Wicklund concludes;
‘So, both sides are capable of destroying each other. As it usually works in warfare, the circumstances and the details matter a lot in what the outcome will be.’
Photo by Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation, U.S. Air Force