Russia’s S-500 next-generation missile system has struck a fast-moving ballistic target in a training exercise at the Kapustin Yar range. The first S-500 system will be procured to the Moscow Region’s air and missile defense unit after a full cycle of tests is completed. the combat shooting conducted as part of the test trials confirmed the missile system’s tactical and technical performance characteristics and high reliability of Russia’s air defense military hardware. According to data recorders, the target was engaged.
Russia’s latest S-500 anti-aircraft missile system has entered state trials. The new state trials is simplified configuration is already available and work is underway to purchase parts for its serial production. The commencement of S-500 serial deliveries to the troops was scheduled for 2025. Russia has been training specialists to learn to operate the new system at the Military Academy of the Aerospace Force in Tver since 2017. Russia is developing the S-500 with a view to its operation in the next 25 years.
Russia’s S-500 Surface-to-air Missile Successfully Tested at Kapustin Yar Training Ground (Photo by Russia MoD)
The S-500 Prometey (Prometheus), also known as 55R6M “Triumfator-M” is a Russian surface-to-air missile/anti-ballistic missile system intended to replace the A-135 missile system currently in use, and supplement the S-400. The S-500 is under development by the Almaz-Antey Air Defence Concern. Initially planned to be in production by 2014, it is currently targeting 2021 for first delivery. It shares with the US Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system the trait that it will be integrated into a single network of aerospace defense assets.
The S-500 is a new-generation surface-to-air missile system. It is designed for intercepting and destroying intercontinental ballistic missiles, as well as hypersonic cruise missiles and aircraft, for air defense against Airborne Early Warning and Control and for jamming aircraft. With a planned range of 600 km (370 mi) for anti-ballistic missile (ABM) and 500 km (310 mi) for air defence, the S-500 would be able to detect and simultaneously engage up to 10 ballistic hypersonic targets flying at a speed of 5 kilometres per secondto a limit of 7 km/s. It also aims at destroying hypersonic cruise missiles and other aerial targets at speeds of higher than Mach 5.
