The creation of a new S-550 anti-aircraft missile system in Russia is a move towards space, since the Russian Federation should think about anti-satellite defense. On Wednesday, November 10, military expert Vladislav Shurygin told Izvestia.
"Now the air defense systems (air defense) are changing rapidly. Space and hypersonic weapons are demanding more and more attention. At the same time, there are more weapons of destruction, such as drones and cruise missiles. To solve these tasks, new air defense systems are required," he said.
According to the expert, on the one hand, the complexes should be as mobile and cheap as possible in order to fight drones. On the other hand, they need to get at least targets in near space, Shurygin added. He also noted that currently there is a merger of air defense and missile defense (ABM).
"S-550 is most likely a movement towards space. The Americans withdrew from the Treaty on the Limitation of Missile Defense Systems (ABM). Therefore, we, in turn, should think about anti-satellite defense. By clearing space, we will deprive Americans of the means of space exploration, navigation and communication. Their army depends heavily on these systems and, of course, will seriously go blind and deaf," the military expert concluded.
On the eve of the Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu at a conference call with the leadership of the armed forces of the country said that the Russian Federation is working on the creation of a new S-550 air defense system.
It was also announced at the meeting that the first serial sample of the S-500 Prometheus will be delivered to the troops in the near future.
On October 13, the S-500 air defense systems entered service with the 15th Special Forces Army of the Russian Federation, which covers Moscow and the Central Industrial Region of the country.
The Russian military conducted test firing of the S-500 SAM in July. According to the Ministry of Defense, the tests confirmed the tactical and technical characteristics and reliability of the Russian air defense.
The S-500 Prometheus (ROC Triumfator-M) is a long-range and high-altitude interception complex with a high missile defense potential capable of intercepting ballistic missiles. The system strikes not only ballistic, but also aerodynamic targets and cruise missiles within a radius of about 600 km.
