US P-8A Poseidon ISR aircraft tried to hack Russian S-400 missile system
A US P-8A Poseidon ISR aircraft attempted to remotely hack a Russian S-400 air defense systems deployed at the Khmeimim airbase, Russian news agency Aviapro reported.
The P-8A is multi-mission aircraft employed for a wide range of missions including long-range intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.
According to Russian media, the P-8A aircraft failed to hack the S-400 air defence systems, “since the American plane was spotted on Russian radars. As a result, air defense systems were put in full combat readiness” and fighter jets raised to intercept the P-8A aircraft.
“Most likely, after the US military aircraft unsuccessfully tried to influence air defense systems, he himself became the target for the S-400. Due to the fact that “Poseidon” was in international airspace at the time of detection, the Russian Su-35 could only drive it away, which it did, ”an expert quoted in the russian news agency Glas, said.
On 16 April, a Russian Su-35 fighter jet flew within 25 feet of a US P-8A Poseidon ISR aircraft during an “unsafe” high-speed, inverted maneuver over the Mediterranean Sea, a statement from the US Navy said on 15 April.
“While the Russian aircraft was operating in international airspace, this interaction was irresponsible,” the US Navy statement said, citing the 1972 Agreement for the Prevention of Incidents On and Over the High Seas. “We expect them to behave within international standards set to ensure safety and to prevent incidents.”
Defence Insight Analysis
China considers Russian S-400 missile systems a ‘necessity’, according to Russian media quoting Chinese sources.
Also, Russia’s next-generation S-500 missile defense system could be delivered sooner than expected. Moscow has completed tests of certain elements of S-500 system, including its launcher, the director-general of the Design Bureau for Special Machine-Building (part of Almaz-Antey company) said.
