The launch into mass production of the S-500 Prometheus anti-aircraft missile system (SAM) does not mean that the S-400 systems of the previous generation will somehow lose their significance.
As Andrey Koshkin, an expert of the Association of Military Political Scientists, head of the Department of Political Science and Sociology of Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, told Izvestia on April 25, Prometheus is an anti—missile system, and the S-400 remains for air defense (air defense).
"The S-400 is very popular abroad according to the price/quality formula, and a lot of people would like to purchase this system. And in 2022 it will be possible to purchase it when we have the S-500 in service. The detection of missiles for it in near space will be possible at a distance of 600 km from Earth. Radar detection will be about 2 thousand km," the expert explained.
Koshkin also explained that the S-500 system is also designed to combat American fifth-generation F-22 and F-35 fighters, as well as the B-2 stealth aircraft. In addition, Prometheus will be able to hit tanker planes.
"The Russian Prometheus is becoming a horror for carrier—based aircraft and aircraft carriers," the military expert noted.
Earlier in the day, the general director of the Almaz-Antey Aerospace Defense Concern, Yan Novikov, announced that serial production of the latest S-500 anti-aircraft missile system had begun in Russia. As Novikov recalled, the combat capabilities of the system are significantly higher than previously created similar complexes. The S-500 will enter service with the Russian Army within the time limits determined by the state defense order.
In January, it was reported that the S-500 Prometheus will enter the troops of the eastern district until 2025. On December 29, 2021, a source of Izvestia reported that the first few divisions of the new S-550 air defense system were preparing to take up combat duty. According to the interlocutor of the publication, all combat vehicles, as well as auxiliary equipment for these units have already been released and transferred to personnel.
In December 2021, it was reported that the S-550 air defense system had successfully passed state tests. It was clarified that with the help of the air defense system, a deep-echeloned air defense system of air defense-missile defense of Russia is being built on the basis of the Pantsir, S-350, S-400, S-500 and S-550 anti-aircraft missile and cannon complexes in space.
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.
