Russia Unveils S-500 Prometheus: The New Era of Air Defense

Russia has publicly showcased its latest anti-aircraft missile system, the S-500 Prometheus, at the International Military-Technical Forum Army-2024 in Kubinka, near Moscow.

First Public Appearance

This marks the first public appearance of the advanced system, which is expected to significantly bolster Russia’s air defense capabilities, according to Tech.

The S-500 Prometheus has been in development for several years, with its production beginning in August 2021. According to Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu, the Russian military will start receiving the S-500 systems within this year.

The S-500 is designed to detect and neutralize a wide range of threats, including fifth-generation aircraft, ballistic missiles, hypersonic weapons, and low-orbit satellites. Its advanced radar technology allows it to engage targets at distances of up to 600 kilometers and altitudes as high as 200 kilometers.

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Simultaneously Track and Engang 10 Targets

The development of the S-500 Prometheus reflects Russia’s efforts to maintain a technological edge in air defense. Compared to its predecessor, the S-400, the S-500 boasts a significantly faster response time of just 3-4 seconds, half that of the S-400.

It can simultaneously track and engage up to 10 hostile targets, making it highly effective in combat scenarios. Notably, the S-500 is claimed to have the capability to intercept hypersonic missiles, which travel at speeds far exceeding the speed of sound.

The S-500’s primary missiles, the 40N6M and 77N6-N, are adaptable to various operational requirements, further enhancing the system’s versatility. As Russia begins integrating the S-500 into its defense infrastructure,

this new system is set to play a crucial role in the nation’s military strategy, providing a robust shield against modern airborne threats.