Russian S-500 air defenсe system may not enter production in 2025

Bulgarian Military has published an article saying that as Kyiv’s counter-offensive intensifies, Ukrainian forces are employing a vast arsenal to target Russian troops. They are harnessing everything from lethal unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to anti-tank missiles, demonstrating relentless efforts to reclaim territories seized by the Russian troops.  Caliber.Az reprints this article.

Conversely, Moscow pins its hopes on its superior air defence system to ward off the well-equipped Ukrainian forces, now armed with cutting-edge Western armaments supplied by the U.S. and NATO allies. 

The Kremlin frequently lauds Russia’s S-500 air defence system as the pinnacle of its kind, even boasting its capability to effectively challenge powerful fifth-generation fighter jets such as the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II. 

Exploring the S-500

Also known as the 55R6M “Triumfator-M”, Russia’s S-500 Prometey hypersonic surface-to-air missile/ballistic missile system is designed to jam enemy aircraft and counter Airborne Early Warning and Control. The S-500 is considered Moscow’s most competent air defence system. Over the past decade, Russia has been expanding its air defence capacity, with the S-500’s development commencing in 2010, shortly after the initial deployment of its S-400 series. 

Despite Russia’s claims of the S-500’s superiority over foreign counterparts, the system’s production has been plagued by delays and other complications. Initially scheduled for production in 2011, the S-500’s production timeline has been repeatedly pushed back, with serial production now slated for 2025. 

Has the production started or not?

Data emanating from the Russian Federation often presents a complex web of contradictions, making its verification a challenging task. Western media outlets have posited that the S-500 has not yet transitioned into serial production. 

However, countering these assertions, Russia proclaimed in April 2022, coinciding with the onset of the Ukraine conflict, that the S-500 Prometheus anti-aircraft missile system, also recognized as the 55Р6М Triumfator-M, had commenced serial production. 

This announcement was broadcasted by the Russian government-owned news agency, TASS. Furthermore, Yan Novikov, the CEO of Almaz-Antey – the manufacturer of the S-500, corroborated this in his recent discussion with National Defense magazine. 

Novikov assured that the S-500 systems commissioned by the Russian Defense Ministry will be delivered as per the set schedule. “At present, the serial production of the S-500 system is in progress, leveraging the latest advancements in domestic science and technology. Its combat prowess significantly outstrips that of earlier air defence and air defence systems. The S-500 is poised to become the cornerstone of the Russian air defence system. It will be dispatched to the troops within the timeframe stipulated by the state defence order,” Novikov stated, in a quote relayed by TASS. 

However, given the resource demands of Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, the chances of the S-500 meeting the 2025 deadline appear slim.

Let’s delve into the intriguing aspects

Back in 2019, Moscow made a significant announcement. It declared the successful execution of the “largest surface-to-air missile test” in the world, using the S-500 to hit a target approximately 300 miles distant. 

This cutting-edge defence system is reportedly constructed with four 40N6M long-range surface-to-air missiles or two 77N6 interceptors, housed in tubes mounted on a launch vehicle. As outlined by the Center for Strategic and International Studies, the S-500 system is equipped with four radar vehicles per battery, including the 91N6E[M] S-band acquisition radar, 96L6-TsP C-band acquisition radar, 76T6 multi-mode engagement radar, and 77T6 anti-ballistic missile engagement radar. This formidable radar network gives the S-500 the ability to detect both ballistic and airborne targets at distances of up to 2,000 km and 800 km, respectively. 

Despite Russia’s assertions about the S-500’s capabilities, verifying these specifications poses a significant challenge. Furthermore, Moscow contends that this air defence system can neutralize fifth-generation fighters and intercept hypersonic weapons, a claim that remains unconfirmed. 

Only allegations, no evidence

Interestingly, the Kremlin has specifically praised the S-500 as the only system capable of intercepting the nation’s Kinzhal “hypersonic” missiles. The Kinzhal, an air-launched ballistic missile, can be equipped with either nuclear or conventional warheads. Despite Russia’s frequent assertions of the Kinzhal’s invincibility, Kyiv reported shooting down one of these missiles with the Patriot system in early May. 

However, Kyiv’s claims also warrant closer scrutiny. The alleged photographs of the downed Dagger missile do not align with the known dimensions and technical data of the weapon. 

Looking ahead, should the S-500 reach its serial production phase, it will not entirely supersede its S-400 predecessor. The Kremlin envisions this new system assuming a prominent role in Russia’s national air defences in the coming years.