Russia has begun mass producing the S-500 air defense system, the manufacturer has revealed in an interview.
The general director of Almaz-Antey Concern, Yan Novikov, told the Russian news magazine National Defense that the system is on schedule to enter service, adding that it will “significantly exceed the capabilities of previously created air defense systems.”
The first unit entered service in September after completing trials. Serial delivery is scheduled to begin in 2025, according to Russian state defense manufacturer, Rostec.
While announcing the system’s induction, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Borisov clarified that the system is still not fully matured and requires further “configurations.”
Can Intercept Hypersonics
The S-500 uses a combination of surface-to-air missiles to “defeat all possible means of an air and space attack,” such as aircraft, drones, spacecraft, cruise, ballistic, and hypersonic missiles.
It has a stated range of 600 kilometers (373 miles) and can intercept up to 10 targets simultaneously.
Moreover, the system’s “jam-proof” radar is more powerful than the S-400 and can operate longer than others. It’s capable of detecting threats in near space from a range of up to 2,000 kilometers (1,243 miles).