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Russia Tests S-500 AD Missile Against Hypersonic Targets; Tracks & Shoot Downs High-Speed Weapons

Reports suggest that Russia’s S-500 Prometheus air defense system has been able to track and shoot down hypersonic targets. Scheduled to be inducted by 2025, the Prometheus will provide Russia with an extra defensive edge in strategic zones and key areas near NATO’s eastern borders.

The trials confirmed the system’s ability to track and neutralize such high-speed objects, the report claimed, citing sources. These successful tests also included trials against both advanced strategic hypersonic aircraft, akin to the Russian Avangard, and less complex missiles.

The tests were conducted in multiple stages, affirming its capabilities as a reliable defense system against hypersonic threats. The success holds particular significance due to the inherent challenges associated with hypersonic objects.

Hypersonic threats pose difficulties in detection and provide minimal reaction time once detected, making the S-500 Prometheus’s achievements in these trials all the more valuable.




Serial production of missiles for S-500 air defense systems begins in Russia — source - Military & Defense - TASS
S-500 air defense system- Russian Defense Ministry’s press service

Dmitry Kornev, editor of the Militaryrussia portal, elaborated on the capabilities of the S-500, stating that it possessed the ability to engage intercontinental ballistic missile warheads, which travel at hypersonic speeds.

Further, it can effectively eliminate guided warheads and similar shorter-range systems. Additionally, the S-500 can coordinate with the S-400 system, allowing for comprehensive control over various air and aerospace threats.

Kornev added that the combined capabilities of these systems would enable the neutralization of a wide range of missile threats, spanning from short-range systems to intercontinental ballistic missiles.

This includes the interception of hypersonic-guided units and missiles operating at high speeds and relatively low altitudes.

The editor suggested that the success of the Prometheus system in engaging hypersonic targets was likely due to its advanced radars and powerful computer complex. These components enable efficient processing of information from radars and facilitate the generation of precise data for launchers and guidance systems.

“The system must have highly maneuverable missiles with high flight speeds because only they can hit hypersonic objects,” Komev said.

Amidst discussions surrounding the recent test, uncertainty regarding the specific missile utilized remains. It is currently unclear whether the test involved one of the 77N6 series of missiles featuring hit-to-kill warheads or a 40N6 missile designed for compatibility with both the S-500 and the S-400 system.

However, given that the new 77N6 series missile is specifically designed to counter ballistic missiles or satellites in the extra-atmospheric section and near space, the Prometheus emerges as a probable candidate for the recent test targeting hypersonic missiles.

S-500 Prometheus Air Defense System

Russia has heralded the S-500 anti-aircraft missile system as unparalleled globally, boasting its ability to neutralize a wide array of existing and future aerial threats from potential adversaries across various altitudes and speeds.

The S-500, conceptualized to confront diverse aerial dangers, including ballistic missiles, manned aircraft, and cruise missiles, underscores Russia’s efforts to advance defense capabilities.

Further, the system’s survivability is purportedly bolstered by its high resilience to electronic interference.

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