MOSCOW, Nov 20 - RIA Novosti. The S-550 mobile missile defense system being developed in Russia will be able to shoot down American X-37 unmanned spacecraft capable of carrying nuclear charges, two sources in the military-industrial complex told RIA Novosti.
Earlier, the Russian side stated that the X-37 orbital drones are capable of carrying several nuclear warheads on board and are space-based strategic strike systems. At the same time, the United States officially claims that the X-37 is intended only for scientific and intelligence purposes. These vehicles can maneuver in space by changing their orbit.
Another source noted that "to intercept such targets, the S-550 will include a multifunctional long-range radar capable of detecting combat units and space objects at an ultra-long range."
The interlocutors clarified that in fact the S-550 will be a modification of the S-500 system, but with a specialization in intercepting ballistic and orbital targets at many times longer ranges and altitudes compared to the Prometheus. At the same time, the interception of aerial aerodynamic targets will be excluded from the tasks of the S-550.
Earlier, another RIA Novosti source reported that the development of the S-550 system is at an advanced stage of research and development work.
Currently, Russia and the United States are armed with specialized missile defense systems capable of shooting down ICBM warheads with a high probability, but of a stationary type with mine-based anti-missiles. No country in the world has mobile strategic missile defense systems with the capabilities claimed for the S-550.
For the first time, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu announced the S-550 system during a conference call on November 9. No information about the system was disclosed.
