The S-300VM "Antey-2500" (, NATO reporting name SA-23 Gladiator/Giant) is a Russian anti-ballistic missile system. The system is designed to target short- and medium-range ballistic missiles, aeroballistic missiles, cruise missiles, fixed-wing aircraft, loitering ECM platforms, and precision-guided munitions. Structure Components The Antey-2500 air defense missile system features: Battle performance automation due to high-speed digital computers Passive electronically scanned array radars with advanced data processing methods High ECM immunity High mobility and autonomous operation High firepower potential, irrespective of air attack tactics or sequence Vertical launch from a special transport launch canister Maintenance-free operation of missiles for at least ten years Capability to defeat ballistic missile individual warheads Inertial guidance with radio command mid-course update and semi-active radar homing at the terminal phase Focused detonation of the missile warhead The Antey-2500 system comprises: Command post Circular and sector scan radars A Multichannel Missile Guidance Station (MMGS) which has 24 channels for illumination of 24 targets 9A82M launcher (typical amount of 8 missiles) which includes radar of illumination, targeting, and internals of the radar 9A83M launcher (typical amount of 12 missiles) which includes radar of illumination, targeting, and internals of the radar 9A84M and 9A85M loader-launcher (technical maximum of 24 missiles) 9M82M and 9M83M air defense missiles Maintenance, repair, and transport of vehicles Group SPTA set Electronic trainer for MMGS operators Set of missile handling equipment Technical ability to use 1-2 additional battalions. Missile The 9M82M missile is intended to defeat tactical, theater, and medium-range ballistic missiles, as well as aerodynamic targets at a range of up to 200 km. The Antey-2500 system is mounted on a tracked cross-country vehicle equipped with self-contained power supply and navigation systems, as well as surveying and positioning equipment. Variants S-300V: began operating in 1983; 100 km range S-300VM: 250 km range S-300VMD: 350 km range S-300V4: in service since 2014; ; Antey-4000 are the export version. Operational history In early October 2016, a battery of Russian S-300V4 missile system was deployed to Syria, at the Russian naval base in Tartus. In early December 2020, the system entered combat duty on the Kuril Islands. S-300 system family tree Operators Current operators : ordered more than three S-300V4 divisions by 2015 77th Air defense brigade (Korenovsk) and 988th Air defense Regiment (Gyumri) in the Southern Military District 202nd Air defense brigade (Naro-Fominsk) and 1545th Air defense Regiment (Znamensk) in the Western Military District 1724th Air defense regiment