The decision to design a new anti-aircraft missile system was forced by changes in fighter-bomber tactics that occurred at the turn of the 1950s and 1960s. In order to avoid detection and destruction, aircraft began conducting combat flights at low altitudes.
The new missile system was developed at Design Bureau-1 (KB-1), where work was also being carried out on the S-75. The new system was adopted for service under the designation S-125 Pechora (the export version was named Neva) in March 1961. Missile guidance to the target was performed by radio commands, in practice in the same way as in the S-75 systems. Very significant changes were introduced in the detection and guidance complex, which had to be hardened against ground clutter interference. The guidance station allowed engaging one target with 2 missiles, launched at 5-second intervals. The system comprised 4 launchers with 2 rails each.
The S-125 had good mobility characteristics; it could be quickly deployed for combat and subsequently packed up for relocation. This was extremely important, as after firing at aerial targets the complex revealed its position. The high mobility of the system allowed easy withdrawal from an expected retaliatory strike. This was done repeatedly and successfully in Egypt (by Russian crews) in combat against Israeli aviation, and in Vietnam against American aircraft. However, it required quick reaction and very well-trained crews.
Based on the experience gained, work began on an improved system with enhanced combat capabilities. The new system was designated S-125M (export name Neva M) and was adopted for service by missile units in 1964 (the Soviet Council of Ministers resolution on this matter was issued in 1963). The complex received a new launcher with four rails, increasing the firepower of the system by 100%. The number of launchers in the complex remained unchanged compared to the S-125, consisting of 4 launchers. Changes were made to the missile itself, increasing its range and effectiveness.
In retrospect, the S-125 system can be assessed as one of the most successful in the history of anti-aircraft missile weapons. It was in service with 35 countries and was used in combat in numerous armed conflicts. To this day it has retained its combat value, remaining a good defensive system.
In the 1990s, Russia developed a modernisation of the S-125M system, designated Pechora M. This is a very interesting proposition for many existing users of this complex.
In Poland, the first S-125 Neva systems appeared in 1970. In the following years they were supplemented by the newer Neva M, which remains in service. In the 1990s, Poland developed its own modernisation programme for the S-125M, allowing for increased mobility and effectiveness.
