S-500

   The S-500 is a new long-range anti-aircraft and anti-ballistic missile system, that was recently developed in Russia. It can be seen as an advanced version of the S-400. Its development commenced in 2002. It was developed by Almaz-Antey company. This system is also referred as the Prometey (Prometheus) and Triumfator-M. Prototype testing was expected to begin in 2015. Initial production of the S-500 air defense system reportedly commenced in 2017. In 2019 another reports confirmed that initial production of the S-500 began. Originally this system was planned to be fielded in 2020. However the project was dragging behind schedule. In 2019 it was announced that early testing of this air defense system will start in 2020 and first production system is expected to be delivered in 2025. In 2021 a footage was revealed where the S-500 successfully engaged a high-speed ballistic missile. Russia plans to field ten battalions of S-500 missiles.

   The S-500 is not an upgrade of the S-400, but rather a new design. It uses a lot of new technology and is superior to the S-400. It was designed to intercept ballistic missiles. It is planned to have a range of 500-600 km and hit targets at altitudes as high as 40 km. Some sources claim that this system is capable of tracking 5-20 ballistic targets and intercepting up to 5-10 ballistic targets simultaneously. It can defeat ballistic missiles traveling at a speed of 5-7 kilometers per second. It has been reported that this air defense system can also target low orbital satellites. It is planned that the S-500 will shield Moscow and the regions around it. It will replace the current A-135 anti-ballistic missile system. The S-500 missiles will be used only against the most important targets, such as intercontinental ballistic missiles, AWACS and jamming aircraft.

   The S-500 will carry various missiles. These missiles will have various ranges and will be used against different targets. In 2009 a 40N6 long-range air defense missile was ready for testing. In 2021 another missile, which could be the 77N6, was launched during testing against a high speed ballistic missile.

   Some sources report, that the S-500 system can detect ballistic missile at a range of 2 000 km and warheads of ballistic missiles at a range of 1 300 km. This system can defeat ballistic missiles before their warheads re-enter atmosphere.

   This system has brief reaction time. It has been reported that the S-500 can launch missiles within 10 minutes from traveling. Also it can be considered as a survivable system, as after launching its missiles it can briefly redeploy. In the 1980s Soviets already used this shoot, scoot and hide philosophy on the S-300V air defense system.

   The S-500 missiles are mobile. All equipment will be carried by heavy high mobility trucks. The missiles are carried by and launched from BAZ-69096 trucks with 10x10 configuration. Two command posts were planned to be based on BAZ-69092-12 6x6 trucks. Acquisition and battle management radar was planned to be towed by a BAZ-6403.01 8x8 tractor truck. Another acquisition radar was planned to be mounted on the BAZ-69096 10x10 chassis. A multi-mode engagement radar was planned to be mounted on the BAZ-6909-022 8x8 truck. The anti-ballistic missile engagement radar is planned to be mounted on the BAZ-69096 chassis with 10x10 configuration. All of these vehicles have good cross-country mobility and can operate off-road.

   It has been reported that there is also an S-1000 system, that is being developed in Russia. Possibly it is a modification of the S-500. Though there is little information available on this system.

   In 2020 a new anti-ballistic missile system was revealed in Russia. It is called the 98R6E Abakan. Letter "E" in the designation suggests that it was developed for export. Judging by its appearance the Abakan could be a downgraded export version of the S-500.