S-500 Promete (anti-aircraft missile system)

2025: Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation: A regiment equipped with a S-500 that can destroy targets in space took up duty

In Russia, the first regiment equipped with the Prometheus S-500 anti-aircraft missile system, which is capable of hitting targets, including in near space, took up combat duty. This was announced on December 17, 2025 by the head of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation Andrei Belousov.

S-500 Promete of missile system is a Russian anti-aircraft missile system designed to destroy the entire spectrum of existing aerospace attack weapons of a likely enemy in the entire range of altitudes and speeds. The manufacturer of the complex is JSC Concern for Aerospace Defense. Almaz-Antey It is argued that the system in its combat parameters significantly exceeds previously produced domestic missile systems.

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Фото: Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation

For the first time, an air defense-missile defense division was formed in the Aerospace Forces. The first regiment, equipped with a unique anti-aircraft missile S-500 system capable of hitting targets in near space, took up combat duty, "Belousov said.

Prometheus S-500 can be used to destroy hypersonic cruise missiles, aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles, low-orbit satellites and space weapons. The complex can be transferred on board military transport aircraft. In addition, it is allowed to transport on a wheeled chassis (tractor BAZ-69096 with wheel arrangement 10×8). Thanks to this, the system can be delivered to anywhere in the country in a short time to perform combat missions. From open sources it is known that the complex includes:

• Control means - combat control unit (FDR) 85Zh6-1; an early warning radar (radar) 60K6;
• Anti-aircraft part - KP 55K6MA, radar 91N6AM, PU 51P6M, 40N6M missiles;
• Anti-missile part - 85Zh6-2 PBU, 76T6 radar and 77T6 with an active phased antenna array (AFAR);
• Rocket launcher 77P6.^[1]

2024: Obtaining a new computing complex to destroy hypersonic missiles

At the end of February 2024, it became known that the Russian anti-aircraft missile system S-500 Promete received a new computing system to destroy hypersonic targets. Thus, Promete can actually shoot down any missiles - from short-range systems to intercontinental ballistic systems.

According to the Izvestia newspaper, citing statements by Dmitry Kornev, editor of the Militaryrussia portal, the S-500 can work on combat blocks of intercontinental ballistic missiles that fly at hypersonic speed, as well as on guided warheads and similar shorter-range systems. In addition, "Promete" can be used in conjunction with the S-400 system, which allows you to withstand "almost any air and space threats."

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Фото: Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation

It is noted that the ability to combat hypersonic targets in S-500 has been implemented thanks to the use of new powerful radars and a high-performance computing unit that efficiently processes the information received and generates commands for launchers and product guidance. This should involve "highly maneuverable missiles with a high flight speed, because only they can hit hypersonic objects."

According to Kornev, hypersonic targets are difficult to intercept because they are relatively small and their shape makes it difficult for radar to detect. Conventional ballistic missiles can be detected in 2 thousand km, and the calculation of the anti-aircraft system has a relatively long time at its disposal. At the same time, the hypersonic target moves not along a high ballistic trajectory, but along the border of the atmosphere. Its detection distance is 300-500 km, therefore, parameter calculations should be carried out as quickly as possible. In addition, it is necessary to launch several missiles in order to guarantee the destruction of the target, even if it will maneuver.^[2]

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