Russia has officially declared that the first air and missile defense regiment utilizing the advanced S-500 system has entered combat duty, according to a statement by Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov. This development is critical as the S-500 Prometheus, operated by the Russian Aerospace Forces, is specifically engineered to engage a broad spectrum of long-range and high-altitude targets, encompassing fifth-generation aircraft, low-orbit satellites, and both ballistic and cruise missiles.
The announcement marks a significant milestone for Russia’s defense capabilities. Belousov noted, “The Aerospace Forces have formed their first air defense and missile defense division. The first regiment, equipped with the unique S-500 anti-aircraft missile system, capable of striking targets in near space, has entered combat duty.” However, no additional technical or operational details regarding the system’s implementation have been unveiled.
The regiment’s formation had been alluded to earlier in January by General Valery Gerasimov, the Chief of the General Staff, who indicated that the S-500 system was approaching full operational readiness. Speculations about its deployment had circulated prior to this announcement, with media outlets from both Russia and Ukraine reporting its use for the protection of key infrastructure, including the Kerch Bridge, which connects mainland Russia to the Crimean Peninsula across the Black Sea.
The S-500 system is a result of development that began in 2010, subsequent to the deployment of the S-400 systems in 2007. According to Russia’s state-run TASS news agency, the S-500 is designed to complement existing air defense systems like the S-400, effectively bridging the gap between tactical military applications and strategic air and missile defense requirements.
This sophisticated system, developed by Almaz-Antey, is capable of deploying either four long-range 40N6M surface-to-air missiles or two 77N6 interceptors from a mobile launcher. The 40N6M missile boasts an estimated range of up to 400 kilometers (248 miles), while the 77N6 interceptors can engage targets at distances of around 600 kilometers (373 miles).
The radar configuration for the S-500 is reportedly advanced, combining long-range search capabilities with specialized engagement radars. This architecture enables rapid tracking and fire control against swift, high-altitude threats. According to the Center for Strategic and International Studies, the system incorporates four radar vehicles per battery, including the 91N6E(M) S-band acquisition radar, the 96L6-TsP C-band acquisition radar, the 76T6 multi-mode engagement radar, and the 77T6 anti-ballistic missile engagement radar. This comprehensive radar complex is believed to allow the S-500 to detect ballistic and airborne targets at ranges up to 2,000 kilometers (1,243 miles) and 800 kilometers (497 miles), respectively.
As the S-500 enters use, it could significantly alter the landscape of air defense and missile engagements, reaffirming Russia’s commitment to enhancing its military capabilities amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
