S-500 Prometheus: Russia's Advanced Air and Missile Defense System

The S-500 Prometheus is Russia's latest generation mobile surface-to-air missile (SAM) and anti-ballistic missile (ABM) system, representing a significant leap in air defense technology.

• Versatile Interception: Designed to engage a wide range of aerial threats, including hypersonic missiles (Mach 5+), ballistic missiles (intermediate-range, potentially ICBMs), cruise missiles, stealth aircraft, UAVs, and even low-orbit satellites/space weapons.
• Extended Range: Offers a ballistic missile interception range of up to 600 km and an air defense range of 500 km, exceeding the S-400's reach.
• Multiple Target Engagement: Capable of simultaneously tracking up to 10 hypersonic targets and engaging multiple targets concurrently (up to 10 ballistic/hypersonic or 36 aerial).
• High Altitude Capability: Can detect and engage threats at altitudes up to 200 km, extending into near-space for potential exo-atmospheric intercepts.
• Faster Response Time: Features a significantly improved response time of 3-4 seconds compared to the S-400's 9-10 seconds, critical for fast-moving targets.
• Advanced Radar Systems: Equipped with sophisticated acquisition and battle management radars with long detection ranges (up to 2,000 km for ballistic, 800 km for airborne) and enhanced capabilities against stealth and jamming.
• Mobile System: Mounted on the BAZ-6909 vehicle family for rapid deployment.
• Integrated Operation: Designed to work seamlessly with other air defense systems like the S-400 and S-350 for a layered defense.

Development and Deployment:

• Developed by Almaz-Antey as a successor and supplement to the S-400.
• Entered service with the Russian Aerospace Forces in 2021.
• Russia has formed its first full regiment equipped with the S-500.
• Initial deployments include areas around Moscow, central Russia, and Crimea.

Significance and India:

• Represents a major advancement in countering hypersonic threats and potentially engaging near-space targets.
• Russia renewed its proposal for joint production with India during PM Modi's July 2024 visit.
• India's decision is pending due to potential sanctions and geopolitical considerations, despite its existing S-400 procurement.
• The potential collaboration is compared to the successful BrahMos missile project.

In essence, the S-500 is a cutting-edge system with superior range, speed, altitude engagement, and counter-hypersonic capabilities compared to the S-400. Russia views it as vital and is offering joint production to India.