Russia mass produces S-500

This information was quoted by Russian news agencies as Deputy Prime Minister Yury Borisov's statement on September 26 at Bauman Moscow Technical University, saying that the stages related to the S-500 complex are almost complete and this powerful system will soon be put into mass production.

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

Just before Mr. Borisov spoke about Russia's readiness to produce the S-500 system, another Russian Deputy Prime Minister, Mr. Dmitry Rogozin, surprised everyone by stating that:

"The Almaz-Antey plant in Nizhny Novgorod has begun production of 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 missile shells for the S-500 complex per year."

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

When talking about the power of the S-500, Deputy Prime Minister Rogozin said that the S-500 can intercept targets at altitudes of 185 to 200km, thereby allowing it to shoot down intercontinental ballistic missiles and low-orbit satellites.

To complete 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 affirmed that the S-500 will be able to deal with 10 missiles at the same time, with a reaction time of about 3 to 4 seconds.

In particular, Russian military sources also said that the S-500 will be a system similar to self-propelled artillery, to avoid air strikes.

Each S-500 system will be accompanied by a variety of combat support vehicles, including four different types of radar vehicles, one of which is designed to defend against ballistic missiles.

With the capabilities of the S-500, this is clearly the world's leading defense system, but according to National Interest magazine, one problem that the S-500 still cannot solve is the ability to shoot down stealth fighters like the US F-22 and F-35.

The S-500's radar system is considered to be able to detect stealth aircraft, but controlling missiles to destroy them is still a challenge for this defense system.

Russia has made certain achievements in increasing the firing range and target detection distance of the S-500, however, the day when this system can operate at 100% potential is still vague.

Besides, the S-500 is not invulnerable when confronting advanced US stealth aircraft.

Although the American magazine doubts the power of the S-500, it does not cite specific parameters. Therefore, Russian media believes that the S-500 system is still the biggest challenge to most US air targets.