Russia is mass-producing the S-500.

This information comes from a Russian news agency quoting Deputy Prime Minister Yury Borisov's statement on September 26th at the Bauman Moscow Technical University, stating that the stages related to the S-500 system are almost complete and this powerful system will soon be put into mass production.

"Along with the existing S-300 and S-400 systems, the S-500 system is about to enter mass production. These systems have superior characteristics compared to competitors, such as the American Patriot system or the systems from France and Israel," Borisov added.

Just before Borisov spoke about Russia's readiness to produce the S-500 system, another Russian Deputy Prime Minister, Dmitry Rogozin, caused a surprise by declaring that:

"The Almaz-Antey plant in Nizhny Novgorod has begun producing components for the S-500 long-range air defense system on self-propelled and towed chassis. The other plant in Kirov can produce thousands of missiles for the S-500 system annually."

Mr. Rogozin added that the S-500 missile system will replace many roles of the S-400 Triumf systems. Each S-500 unit will have a minimum lifespan of 25 years and is expected to be commissioned from 2020.

Speaking about the capabilities of the S-500, Deputy Prime Minister Rogozin stated that the S-500 can intercept targets at altitudes of 185 to 200 km, thereby enabling it to shoot down intercontinental ballistic missiles and low-orbit satellites.

To fulfill its mission, the S-500 has a maximum range of up to 600km, 200km further than the S-400 system. Russian Air Force Commander Viktor Bondarev asserted that the S-500 can counter 10 missiles simultaneously, with a reaction time of approximately 3 to 4 seconds.

In particular, Russian military sources also indicated that the S-500 will be a system similar to self-propelled artillery, designed to avoid airstrikes.

Each S-500 system will come with various combat support vehicles, including four different types of radar vehicles, one of which is designed to counter ballistic missiles.

With its capabilities, the S-500 is clearly a world-class defense system, but according to the National Interest magazine, one problem the S-500 has yet to solve is its ability to shoot down stealth fighters like the US F-22 and F-35.

The S-500's radar surveillance system is considered capable of detecting stealth aircraft, but controlling missiles to destroy them remains a challenge for this defense system.

Russia has made some progress in increasing the range and target detection distance of the S-500, however, the day when this system will operate at 100% of its potential remains uncertain.

Furthermore, the S-500 is not invulnerable when facing advanced American stealth aircraft.

Although the American magazine questioned the power of the S-500, it did not provide specific figures. Therefore, Russian media suggests that the S-500 system remains the biggest challenge to most American air targets.