The Russian military has deployed an S-400 air defense unit to Crimea for “combat duty,” according to a Russian media report, bringing the total S-400 batteries to two.
Russian commanders said the additional battalion was added as a means of bolstering the defense of the enclave, which Moscow annexed by force in early 2014.
Russian media reports that the purpose of the S-400 units is to defend airspace near the border with Ukraine.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Wednesday that Russia’s taking measures to ensure its security should not be perceived as a threat to anyone.
The military announced the deployment of the additional air defense battalion as the USS Carney, which carries a full complement of Tomahawk cruise missiles, arrived at Ukraine’s port of Odessa.
The S-400s are Russia’s most advanced surface-to-air missile systems. They have a range of about 245-250 miles. [source]
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