TSAMTO, November 22. The S-550 mobile missile defense system being developed in Russia will be able to shoot down American X-37 orbital UAVs capable of carrying nuclear charges, RIA Novosti reports, citing sources in the defense industry.
As the agency reminds, earlier the Russian side stated that the X-37 orbital UAVs are capable of carrying several nuclear warheads on board, and are strategic strike systems based in space. At the same time, the US officially claims that the X-37 is intended only for scientific and intelligence purposes. These vehicles can maneuver in space by changing their orbit.
"The S-550 mobile strategic missile defense system will specialize in the destruction of ballistic and orbital space targets, primarily in the defeat of nuclear warheads of intercontinental missiles. Among the typical targets for the future system are the American X-37 orbital UAVs, as well as planning hypersonic units being developed in several countries," the agency interlocutor noted.
Another source said 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 of RIA Novosti 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 S-500 Prometheus. At the same time, the interception of aerial aerodynamic targets (airplanes, helicopters, drones) will be excluded from the tasks of the S-550.
Earlier, another source of RIA Novosti reported that the development of the S-550 system is at an advanced stage of research and development work.
The agency notes that currently Russia and the United States have 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, the S-550 system was announced on November 9 during a conference call by Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. No information about the system was disclosed.
