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Reports the claims of Russian surface-to-air missile designers regarding improvement of antistealth skills. Identification of state-of-the-art manufacturers of surface-to-air missiles; Factors limiting the full development of air defense systems; Lists of antiaircraft weapons.

Focuses on the Russian-made surface-to-air missiles that are hard to track and target electronically by U.S. aircraft. Features of the communication method used by the weapons; Major tool for understanding the working of the system; Need for precision targeting.

Reports the admission of Russia in holding and examining a United States Air Force F-117 stealth fighter wreckage in Yugoslavia. Difficulties in examining the wreckage; Benefits of the wreckage analysis to Russia's surface-to-air missile systems; Limitations in the research and development of defense systems.

The article discusses the 2011 Libyan Conflict and Russia's sale of SA-24 surface-to-air (SAM) missiles to Libya. The missiles are described, noting their sophistication, countermeasures resistance, performance, and lethality. Libya's use of the SA-24s influenced a U.S. decision to use EA-18G Growler airborne electronic attack (AEA) aircraft over Libya.