Russia is developing a new S-550 missile defense system that specializes in intercepting intercontinental ballistic missiles and combating threats from outer space. According to Mark Episkopos, at the moment it is not very clear whether the United States and its NATO partners should be afraid of the new Russian missile defense system.
The fact that the S-550 exists was confirmed on November 9 by Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. "The Head of State placed special emphasis on the importance of advancing the development of domestic air defense systems, the supply of S-350, S-500, S-550 systems to the armed forces," Shoigu said at a press conference at the Ministry of Defense, talking about a recent meeting between President Vladimir Putin and the military command. The Ministry of Defense did not provide any details about the characteristics of the S-550.
Earlier there were reports that the first S-500 Prometheus anti-aircraft missile systems have recently entered service. Military expert Dmitry Litovkin suggested that the S-550 is the successor of the Soviet and Russian A-135 Amur system, as well as the A-235 Nudol missile and anti-space defense system. In addition, he suggested that the new system could be a specialized version of the S-500. "Nothing is known about the S-550, but I assume that it will become an additional element of the Prometheus system," Litovkin said. - Earlier it was stated that with the help of this system it will be possible to shoot down nuclear ballistic warheads and satellites in low orbit. Apparently, the military decided to distribute functions between these two systems."
The head of the Russian military-industrial giant Rostec, Sergey Chemezov, told reporters at the Dubai Air Show that the S-550 will have an increased target detection range and missile action: "This is work that never stops and will continue to be carried out in order to increase both the detection range and the missile range with the ability to intercept any targets. That's what the work on the S-550 is aimed at." It is unclear whether Chemezov compared the new characteristics of the S-550 with the S-500 air defense system or with the older S-400 system.
The Russian armed forces may receive the first batch of S-550 by 2025.
Mark Episkopos
