(VIDEO) Russia Armed Forces Announces Formation of First S-500 “Prometheus” Regiment

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – The Russian Ministry of Defense has announced the formation of the first regiment of the S-500 “Prometheus” long-range air defense missile system.

The announcement was made recently by General Valery Gerasimov, Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces.

According to General Gerasimov, the establishment of the first regiment equipped with the newly developed S-500 “Prometheus” air defense system will enhance Russia’s strategic missile defense capabilities, particularly in countering hypersonic missile threats traveling at speeds exceeding Mach 20.

The S-500 air defense system, known as ‘Prometheus,’ is designed to tackle any challenges in modern warfare.

It can intercept multiple targets at extraordinary ranges, surpassing the capabilities of the S-400 “Triumf” air defense missile system.

Russia’s military reportedly operates the long-range S-500 air defense system in two variants – one for ballistic missile defense (BMD) and another for long-range air defense.

According to Russian media outlet Izvestia, citing sources from the Ministry of Defense, the Russian military conducted extensive testing before commissioning the system.

Tests conducted on the S-500 system confirmed its capability to intercept and destroy hypersonic missiles.

In one trial held in February this year, the S-500 successfully intercepted and shot down an R-29RMU2 Sineva intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).

During the test, the Sineva ICBM, launched from a nuclear-powered submarine in the Laptev Sea, was intercepted by the S-500 at the Chizha test range in the Arkhangelsk region.

The S-500 system was also subjected to anti-satellite (ASAT) tests, during which it reportedly shot down the Russian satellite Kosmos-1408, which was destroyed in orbit in November 2021.

The satellite interception raised concerns in the United States about Russia’s advancing anti-satellite defense capabilities.

The Russian Ministry of Defense stated that the tests demonstrated the S-500’s ability to meet all operational requirements, enabling it to address current and future aerial threats.

The S-500 represents a significant advancement over the S-400 “Triumf” in all aspects.

Developed by Russian defense firm Almaz-Antey, the S-500 can destroy targets at ranges between 500 km and 600 km, making it the world’s longest-range air defense system.

It is capable of intercepting up to ten targets simultaneously.

A single battery of the S-500 system is equipped with up to four radars, enabling it to detect and track targets at distances ranging from 800 km to 2,000 km.

In addition to conventional air defense, the S-500 is specifically designed to intercept intermediate-range ballistic missiles (IRBM) and potentially intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) during their mid-course and terminal phases.

This advanced capability reinforces Russia’s missile defense architecture and enhances its strategic deterrence.

A key feature of the S-500 is its ability to intercept low-orbit satellites and space-based weapons, contributing to Russia’s anti-satellite (ASAT) operations and bolstering its dominance in space defense.

The system is equipped with advanced phased array radar technology, capable of detecting stealth aircraft and low-visibility targets, significantly enhancing its effectiveness against fifth-generation fighter jets such as the F-35.

Designed for seamless integration with existing air defense platforms, including the S-400, S-300, and Pantsir-S1, the S-500 forms part of Russia’s layered defense network.

This comprehensive system architecture ensures robust protection of critical infrastructure, military installations, and key urban centers, reinforcing the S-500’s role as a cornerstone of Russia’s strategic defense capabilities. – DSA