Russian S-500 Air Defense System – Specs, Weapons, Users, Price & Comparison

 

Explore Russia’s S-500 air defense system: full specifications, weapons, threats, number of systems built, users, price, comparisons, and limitations.

Russian S-500 Air Defense System: Full Specifications, Weapons & Comparison

The Russian S-500 Prometheus represents the next generation of strategic air defense systems. Developed to complement the S-400, the S-500 is designed to counter a wide range of threats, including hypersonic missiles, aircraft, drones, and ballistic missiles. With Russia focusing on advanced air and missile defense, the S-500 combines long-range detection, high-speed interceptors, and multi-layered defensive capabilities.

This article provides a detailed breakdown of the S-500 specifications, size, weapons, threat profile, production numbers, users, price, comparisons, and negative points, making it an essential guide for defense enthusiasts, analysts, and military planners.

Overview of the S-500 Air Defense System

The S-500 Prometheus is a fifth-generation Russian air defense system designed by Almaz-Antey. Unlike its predecessor, the S-400, the S-500 can engage hypersonic targets, low-orbit satellites, and ballistic missiles at extreme altitudes. It integrates advanced radar systems, missile launchers, and command modules into a mobile platform capable of both strategic and tactical deployment.

✅ Multi-layered defense capability against air and space threats
✅ Integration with existing S-400 and S-300 networks
✅ Ability to detect and track targets up to 600 km away
✅ High mobility using TEL (Transporter Erector Launcher) vehicles

S-500 Specifications: Size, Performance, and Detection

Specification	Details
Manufacturer	Almaz-Antey
System Type	Long-range surface-to-air missile (LR-SAM) / ABM system
Radar Range	600 km (detection), 400 km (tracking)
Engagement Range	500 km (air targets), 1000 km (ballistic targets)
Missile Speed	7 km/s for ballistic interceptors
Reaction Time	< 4 seconds
Launcher	5-8 missiles per TEL unit
Height Coverage	Up to 180 km
Mobility	Wheeled TELs, fully mobile
Crew	3–5 operators per battery

Weapons & Missile Types

The S-500 uses multiple interceptor missiles to tackle a broad spectrum of threats:

✅ 40N6M: Long-range anti-air missile, capable of targeting aircraft and ballistic missiles at extreme distances.
✅ 77N6-N & 77N6-N1: High-speed interceptors for hypersonic targets and medium-range ballistic threats.
✅ New ABM Interceptors: Specialized for ICBMs and low-orbit satellites.

Features of S-500 Missiles:

✅ Multi-channel guidance system
✅ Hypersonic target interception capability
✅ Minimal radar cross-section for stealth engagement
✅ High maneuverability against advanced aircraft

Threats the S-500 Can Intercept

✅ Hypersonic glide vehicles (HGVs)
✅ Ballistic missiles (short, medium, and intermediate-range)
✅ Stealth aircraft and drones
✅ Satellites in low-Earth orbit

Number of Systems Built & Production Status

As of 2025, the S-500 is in limited deployment, with 2–3 regiments reportedly operational near Moscow and other strategic regions. Analysts suggest that mass production could scale from 2026 onward, with production numbers remaining classified.

Users & Export Prospects

Currently, the S-500 is exclusively operated by Russia, with deployment aimed at protecting critical airspace and strategic assets.

While there is international interest, no confirmed export deals exist. Countries such as India, China, and other Russian defense partners have reportedly expressed interest, but official contracts are not publicly announced.

Price and Procurement Cost

The exact unit cost of the S-500 remains classified, but estimates suggest:

✅ Price per system: $500–600 million
✅ Operational battery: $1–1.2 billion including radar, launchers, and command modules

S-500 vs S-400 vs THAAD: System Comparison

Feature	S-500	S-400	THAAD (USA)
Engagement Range	500 km (air), 1000 km (ballistic)	400 km	200 km
Missile Speed	7 km/s	4.8 km/s	3 km/s
Altitude Coverage	180 km	30 km	150 km
Hypersonic Target Interception	Yes	No	Limited
Mobility	High	High	High
Radar Range	600 km	600 km	250 km
Users	Russia	Russia, China, India, Turkey	USA, allies

Negative Points / Limitations

✅ Extremely high cost per system, limiting widespread deployment
✅ Limited number of units built as of 2025
✅ Potential vulnerability to electronic warfare and cyber attacks
✅ Deployment mainly around strategic regions, leaving peripheral areas less protected
✅ Heavy and complex system, requiring trained crews and logistics

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• ✅ Q: What is the Russian S-500 air defense system?
  A: The S-500 Prometheus is a fifth-generation long-range missile defense system designed to intercept aircraft, drones, hypersonic missiles, and satellites.
• ✅ Q: What are the specifications of the S-500?
  A: It has a range of 500 km against aircraft and up to 1000 km for ballistic targets, with high-altitude engagement capabilities up to 180 km.
• ✅ Q: What missiles does the S-500 use?
  A: The system includes 40N6M, 77N6-N/N1, and other interceptors capable of engaging hypersonic and ballistic threats.
• ✅ Q: How many S-500 systems has Russia built?
  A: Limited deployment is reported, with 2–3 regiments operational and further production expected from 2026.
• ✅ Q: Who operates the S-500?
  A: Currently, Russia is the sole operator, with no confirmed exports yet.
• ✅ Q: How much does the S-500 cost?
  A: Estimates range from $500–600 million per system, including radar, launchers, and command modules.
• ✅ Q: What are the S-500’s limitations?
  A: High cost, limited numbers, potential vulnerability to electronic warfare, and deployment concentrated in strategic regions.

Conclusion

The Russian S-500 Prometheus is arguably the world’s most advanced air and missile defense system in production today. Its ability to intercept hypersonic missiles, high-speed aircraft, and low-orbit satellites gives Russia a strategic edge in airspace protection.

While cost and limited production restrict its deployment, the S-500 sets a benchmark for fifth-generation air defense technology, surpassing older systems like the S-400 and rivaling U.S. capabilities such as THAAD.

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