Russian army to be equipped with S-500 "super fire dragon"

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has just said that the armed forces of the "Land of White Birch" will receive the first samples of the next-generation S-500 air defense missile system this year.

Shoigu’s announcement, reported by state media in late April, signaled a significant advance in Russia’s military capabilities. The Kremlin’s top military official stressed that the S-500 systems would be available in two different forms: Ballistic Missile Defense [BMD] and Extended Range Air Defense Missile Systems.

The S-500, also known as the Prometheus air defense system, is being developed by the Almaz-Antey Air and Space Defense Corporation. It is designed to neutralize a wide range of threats posed by current and future aerospace technologies at various altitudes and speeds.

Development of the S-500 began in 2010, following Russia's successful deployment of the S-400 Triumf system in 2007. The Prometheus design was originally completed in 2011, but mass production has faced numerous delays, with the latest estimate for mass production now set for 2025.

Despite these setbacks, the S-500 promises to be a “game changer,” said to be capable of countering fifth-generation aircraft, low-orbit satellites, and a range of missile threats.

World - Russian army to be equipped with S-500 — Russia has hailed the S-500 as an unprecedented system globally, highlighting its ability to effectively counter a wide range of current and future airborne threats posed by potential adversaries at various altitudes and speeds. Photo: Meta Defense

While the delay in the S-500's entry into service has raised concerns, some experts believe that Russia may be deliberately extending the production schedule of the new system to prioritize meeting current demand for the S-400 system, both domestically and internationally.

Moscow has been actively promoting the export of the S-400, winning contracts with a number of countries around the world. Meanwhile, the S-500 has undergone rigorous testing to confirm its capabilities.

Russia has conducted the world's longest surface-to-air missile test, demonstrating the power of the S-500 by successfully hitting a target nearly 300 miles (482 km) away.

Earlier this year, there were media reports indicating that the S-500 had effectively tracked and intercepted hypersonic targets, highlighting its versatility and relevance in the changing security environment.

The S-500 Prometheus air defense system uses two specific types of missiles: the 77N6-N and the 77N6-N1. These advanced Russian missiles, equipped with inert warheads, are designed to destroy nuclear warheads using purely kinetic force. The system's mission is to identify, intercept, and destroy warheads of ballistic missiles, hypersonic cruise missiles, and other airborne threats.

In addition, its high immunity to electronic interference enhances survivability in challenging combat situations, ensuring the system's effectiveness even in the face of complex electronic warfare tactics.

Designed to replace the aging A-135 missile systems currently in service, the S-500 is expected to complement Russia's existing S-400 systems, forming a comprehensive defense network.

The S-500 also has an outstanding range, and this is one of its most outstanding features: 600 km for aerodynamic targets, and 400 km for ballistic targets.

Such an extended range allows the S-500 system to carefully monitor vast territories, providing a solid shield for important administrative and industrial centers in Russia, strengthening the national security infrastructure against airborne threats.

Minh Duc (According to Eurasian Times, Bulgarian Military)

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