24781

24781 refers to a specific identifier that appears in various contexts, most notably as a **NATO reporting name** for a Soviet-era radar system. The designation originates from the NATO Standardization Agreement (STANAG) naming conventions, which assigned alphanumeric codes to Soviet military equipment to facilitate identification and communication among Western military forces.

The system in question was the **S-300P "Foxhound"** missile defense radar, a component of the S-300 air defense system developed by the Soviet Union. The NATO reporting name "24781" was assigned to the **early warning radar** variant of this system, specifically the **5N84E radar**, which operated in the long-range detection role. This radar was capable of tracking high-altitude targets at extended ranges, contributing to the S-300P’s ability to intercept incoming missiles and aircraft.

Beyond its military use, "24781" has also appeared in other contexts, such as technical documentation, historical records, or even pop culture references, often as a shorthand for the radar system. The number itself does not carry independent significance but serves as a standardized identifier within NATO’s classification system.

The S-300P system, including the 24781 radar, played a key role in Soviet and later Russian air defense strategies, particularly during the Cold War. Its legacy continues in modern Russian air defense networks, which have incorporated upgraded and successor systems derived from the original design. The NATO reporting name system remains a critical tool for military analysts and operators to distinguish and discuss foreign military hardware.