Long-range S-400 air defense systems have been spotted moving in Moscow, likely to protect the May 9 parade on Red Square.
The Yezh Telegram channel published photos of the equipment in transit.
This may indicate that additional air defense systems are being redeployed to the Russian capital to safeguard a key event for the regime amid intensified Ukrainian drone and missile strikes.
Meanwhile, several S-400 systems are already deployed at positions across Moscow, so it is not possible to determine with certainty whether the photos show additional systems being brought in or simply the relocation of units already on duty between positions.
As of spring 2026, Moscow is protected by two tightly layered rings of air defense, along with several additional positions within the city itself. According to OSINT estimates, about 130 air defense sites are deployed in and around the capital.
The core of Moscow’s air defense network consists of roughly 100 Pantsir-S1 missile-and-gun systems, supported by a smaller number of Tor systems, both designed to intercept drones and cruise missiles. These are reinforced by around 20 S-400 batteries, which are intended to counter both cruise and ballistic missile threats.
Despite such a large-scale air defense system, in 2026 the Russian regime will, for the first time since the start of the war with Ukraine, hold the May 9 parade in a reduced format – without the participation of military equipment.
According to the outlet’s sources, Moscow may impose strict restrictions on mobile communications on May 5, 7, and 9.
Officials are also considering holding only a foot parade, without military academy cadets and cadet corps students, due to security concerns. At the same time, the aerial portion of the 2026 parade is still expected to go ahead.
Beyond the capital, many regions are canceling or significantly scaling back May 9 military parades because of the threat of Ukrainian drone strikes.
Thus, Krasnodar Krai Governor Veniamin Kondratyev has completely canceled the ceremonial military parade in the regional capital and moved the “Immortal Regiment” event online. A similar decision was made in Kaliningrad and Samara.
In St. Petersburg, Chuvashia, and the Kaluga region, the parades will be held without military equipment, including the traditional appearance of the T-34 tank.
