Russia said Tuesday it had successfully test-fired its new S-500 air defense missile systems at a southern training range and hit a high-speed ballistic target.
Russia says the S-500, which is expected to have a maximum firing range of 600 kilometers, is the most advanced anti-missile system in the world and is capable of countering attacks from space.
Its development, however, is years behind schedule. The military had previously said the army would begin receiving the first S-500 systems in 2020.
In April, the maker of the systems, Almaz-Anty, said that work on the S-500 was nearing completion.
“At the Kapustin Yar training ground the latest S-500 air defense missile weapon system carried out live fire exercises to hit a high-speed ballistic target,” the defense ministry said in a statement.
At the Kapustin Yar training ground, the latest S-500 anti-aircraft missile system performed test live firing at a high-speed ballistic target https://t.co/MaHjy5v6CY#S500 #MoD #RussianArmy #RussianWeapons #AirDefence pic.twitter.com/V9nj6x2CH5
— Минобороны России (@mod_russia) July 20, 2021
“The target was hit,” the statement added.
Video footage of the test was released by the defense ministry for the first time.
After tests are completed the first S-500 system — also known as Prometheus and the Triumfator-M — will be sent to an air defense unit outside Moscow, the defense ministry said.
NATO member Turkey has bought from Russia the advanced system’s predecessor, S-400, despite protests from the United States that it threatens the alliance’s defences.
On Monday, Russia said it had carried out another successful test of its Zircon hypersonic cruise missile, part of a new arsenal of weapons described as “invincible” by President Vladimir Putin.
He was scheduled to attend an airshow later Tuesday, at which a new Russian-developed fighter jet was due to be unveiled.
