Russia begins mass production of the S-500 air defense system

Russia has begun mass production of the S-500 air defense system, the manufacturer has revealed in an interview.

The Managing Director of Almaz-Antey Concern, Yan Novikovtold the Russian news magazine National Defense that the system is about 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 expected to begin in 2025, according to Russian state defense manufacturer, Rostec.

While announcing the enthronement of the system, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Borisov clarified that the system is not yet fully matured and requires other “setups”.

Can intercept hypersonics

The S-500 uses a combination of surface-to-air missiles to “defeat all possible means of air and space attack”, such as aircraft, drones, spacecraft, cruise, ballistic and hypersonic missiles.

It has a claimed range of 600 kilometers (373 miles) and can intercept up to 10 targets simultaneously.

Additionally, the system’s “anti-jamming” radar is more powerful than the S-400 and can work longer than others. It is capable of detecting threats in near space at a distance of up to 2,000 kilometers (1,243 miles).