Many countries have shown interest in buying the Russian S-400 missile system as opposed to the ones U.S. companies have developed due to the price tag – a mere $500,000. The Raytheon U.S. Patriot Pac-2 battery system has a price of $1 billion, and the Lockheed Martin THAAD battery system is selling for $3 billion.
13 countries, so far, have shown their interest in the Russian product, and such a decision could lead to possible U.S. sanctions, which would fall under the Countering America’s Adversaries through Sanctions Act. The act was passed in August 2017 by President Donald Trump. China was hit with sanctions for their purchase of Russian missiles and fighter jets.
Still, the U.S. has the power to waive those sanctions.
The reason Russian arms tend to be cheaper than American ones is that they don’t come with a lot of maintenance support.
Defense-Industrial Initiatives Group for the Center for Strategies and International Studies Director Andrew Hunter said the purchase of American military products means an investment and partnership with the U.S. military. This investment also means technical and maintenance support, which is the huge difference in the price.
The Pentagon has yet to make a comment about the news.
The S-400 system was introduced in 2007 and was introduced as a follow up to the S-200 and S-300 missile series system. The S-400 can reach even more targets, at a longer range and protect itself against many threats at one time.
According to one source, the S-400 even outdoes America’s pride and joy – THAAD.
Why are nations willing to deal with Russia over America? A source said it’s the tedious process the U.S. government imposes on the purchasing process. Many countries would rather buy quickly than go through the U.S. regulatory red tape. Since the S-400 doesn’t have near as many export restrictions, the Kremlin can speed up the sales process.
China, Turkey and India have signed a purchase agreement with Russia. China, which is currently in trade talks with the U.S., will get its finally S-400 system shipment soon. India signed the agreement with Russia last month to get the S-400. NATO ally Turkey will get the S-400 in 2020 and will have it operational the same year.