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S-200 Angara (SA-5 Gammon) vs S-300PMU-2 Favorit: Side-by-Side Comparison & Analysis
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2026-03-21
6 min read
Overview
This comparison aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the S-200 Angara (SA-5 Gammon) and S-300PMU-2 Favorit surface-to-air missile systems. The S-200 Angara is a Cold War-era system still operated by Syria, while the S-300PMU-2 Favorit is a modern export system with advanced capabilities. This comparison will help defense planners understand which system to choose for specific scenarios.
Side-by-Side Specifications
| Dimension | S 200 | S 300 |
|---|
| Range |
300 km |
200 km |
| Speed |
Mach 4+ |
Mach 6+ |
| Cost |
Legacy system — no longer produced |
~$300M per battalion (8 launchers + radar) |
| Guidance |
Semi-active radar homing |
Semi-active radar homing with track-via-missile updates from Tombstone radar |
| Warhead |
217kg HE fragmentation (nuclear-capable in Soviet service) |
150kg directional fragmentation |
| First Deployed |
1967 |
1997 |
| Operators |
Syria, Iran (retiring), North Korea |
Iran (4 battalions), Russia, China, India, Algeria, Venezuela |
| Range (km) |
300 |
200 |
| Speed (Mach) |
4+ |
6+ |
| Guidance Type |
Semi-active radar homing |
Semi-active radar homing with track-via-missile updates from Tombstone radar |
Head-to-Head Analysis
Range & Coverage
The S-200 Angara has a significantly longer range than the S-300PMU-2 Favorit, with a maximum range of 300 km compared to 200 km. However, the S-300PMU-2 Favorit has a more advanced radar system that allows it to track multiple targets simultaneously. In a scenario where range is the primary concern, the S-200 Angara may be the better choice. However, in a scenario where multiple targets need to be tracked, the S-300PMU-2 Favorit may be more effective.
The S-200 Angara has a longer range, but the S-300PMU-2 Favorit has more advanced radar capabilities.
Accuracy
The S-300PMU-2 Favorit has a more advanced guidance system than the S-200 Angara, with the ability to track targets via missile updates from the Tombstone radar. This allows the S-300PMU-2 Favorit to achieve higher accuracy rates than the S-200 Angara. In a scenario where accuracy is critical, the S-300PMU-2 Favorit may be the better choice.
The S-300PMU-2 Favorit has a more advanced guidance system, making it more accurate than the S-200 Angara.
Cost
The S-300PMU-2 Favorit is significantly more expensive than the S-200 Angara, with a cost of around $300M per battalion compared to the S-200 Angara's legacy system status. However, the S-300PMU-2 Favorit has more advanced capabilities and a longer lifespan than the S-200 Angara. In a scenario where budget is a concern, the S-200 Angara may be the better choice. However, in a scenario where advanced capabilities are required, the S-300PMU-2 Favorit may be more cost-effective in the long run.
The S-300PMU-2 Favorit is more expensive, but it has more advanced capabilities and a longer lifespan.
Guidance
The S-300PMU-2 Favorit has a more advanced guidance system than the S-200 Angara, with the ability to track targets via missile updates from the Tombstone radar. This allows the S-300PMU-2 Favorit to achieve higher accuracy rates than the S-200 Angara. In a scenario where guidance is critical, the S-300PMU-2 Favorit may be the better choice.
The S-300PMU-2 Favorit has a more advanced guidance system, making it more effective than the S-200 Angara.
Warhead
The S-200 Angara has a larger warhead than the S-300PMU-2 Favorit, with a maximum warhead weight of 217kg compared to the S-300PMU-2 Favorit's 150kg. However, the S-300PMU-2 Favorit has a more advanced guidance system that allows it to achieve higher accuracy rates than the S-200 Angara. In a scenario where warhead size is the primary concern, the S-200 Angara may be the better choice. However, in a scenario where accuracy is critical, the S-300PMU-2 Favorit may be more effective.
The S-200 Angara has a larger warhead, but the S-300PMU-2 Favorit has a more advanced guidance system.
Scenario Analysis
Defending against Iranian ballistic missile salvo
In a scenario where Iran launches a ballistic missile salvo, the S-300PMU-2 Favorit may be the better choice due to its advanced radar system and ability to track multiple targets simultaneously. The S-300PMU-2 Favorit's guidance system also allows it to achieve higher accuracy rates than the S-200 Angara, making it more effective in this scenario.
S-300PMU-2 Favorit
Defending against low-flying aircraft
In a scenario where low-flying aircraft are the primary threat, the S-200 Angara may be the better choice due to its longer range and larger warhead. However, the S-300PMU-2 Favorit's advanced guidance system and ability to track targets via missile updates from the Tombstone radar make it more effective in this scenario.
S-300PMU-2 Favorit
Defending against cruise missiles
In a scenario where cruise missiles are the primary threat, the S-300PMU-2 Favorit may be the better choice due to its advanced radar system and ability to track multiple targets simultaneously. The S-300PMU-2 Favorit's guidance system also allows it to achieve higher accuracy rates than the S-200 Angara, making it more effective in this scenario.
S-300PMU-2 Favorit
Complementary Use
The S-200 Angara and S-300PMU-2 Favorit can be used together to provide a comprehensive air defense system. The S-200 Angara's longer range and larger warhead make it effective against low-flying aircraft, while the S-300PMU-2 Favorit's advanced guidance system and ability to track targets via missile updates from the Tombstone radar make it effective against cruise missiles and ballistic missiles. In a scenario where both types of threats are present, the S-200 Angara and S-300PMU-2 Favorit can be used together to provide a robust air defense system.
Overall Verdict
The S-300PMU-2 Favorit is the more advanced system, with a longer lifespan, more advanced guidance system, and ability to track multiple targets simultaneously. However, the S-200 Angara has a longer range and larger warhead, making it effective against low-flying aircraft. In a scenario where budget is a concern, the S-200 Angara may be the better choice. However, in a scenario where advanced capabilities are required, the S-300PMU-2 Favorit may be more cost-effective in the long run.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the S-200 Angara and S-300PMU-2 Favorit?
The S-200 Angara is a Cold War-era system with a longer range and larger warhead, while the S-300PMU-2 Favorit is a modern export system with advanced guidance and radar capabilities.
Which system is more effective against cruise missiles?
The S-300PMU-2 Favorit is more effective against cruise missiles due to its advanced guidance system and ability to track targets via missile updates from the Tombstone radar.
Can the S-200 Angara and S-300PMU-2 Favorit be used together?
Yes, the S-200 Angara and S-300PMU-2 Favorit can be used together to provide a comprehensive air defense system.
What is the cost of the S-300PMU-2 Favorit?
The cost of the S-300PMU-2 Favorit is around $300M per battalion.
Which system has a longer lifespan?
The S-300PMU-2 Favorit has a longer lifespan than the S-200 Angara.
Related
Sources
Jane's Defence Weekly
Jane's Information Group
official
Defense News
Gannett Company
official
The Diplomat
The Diplomat Media
journalistic
Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance
Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance
OSINT
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