The S-500 Prometheus (55R6M "Triumfator-M") is a Russian mobile surface-to-air missile (SAM) and anti-ballistic missile (ABM) system developed by Almaz-Antey.
The S-500 has recently been in the spotlight following the successful performance by Russia's S-400 defence system during India's Operation Sindoor -- a retaliatory strike in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 people.
Russia, earlier has proposed the S-500 to India since 2021, with renewed discussions in July 2024 for joint production.
Some specifications of the S-500:
Range -
- Anti-ballistic missile (ABM): Up to 600 km (370 miles)
- Air defense (aircraft, cruise missiles): Up to 500 km (310 miles).
Altitude & Responding time -
- S-500's maximum engagement altitude is 180–200 km (110–124 miles), enabling exoatmospheric interception
- Can engage ballistic hypersonic targets traveling up to 7 km/s (4.3 mi/s or ~Mach 20).
- Claimed capability to intercept hypersonic objects at speeds up to 25,000 km/h (Mach 20+), though unverified.
- It can detect and engage up to 10 ballistic or hypersonic targets simultaneously. S0500's response time is 3–4 seconds, quite faster than the S-400’s 9–10 seconds.
S-500 uses multiple interceptor missiles tailored to specific threats. S-500’s radar complex consists of four vehicles per battery, which supports advanced detection and tracking.
How is it different from S400?
If we talk about the major differences, S500 has a -
- Longer range (600 km vs. 400 km), higher altitude (200 km vs. ~30 km), and faster response time (3–4s vs. 9–10s).
- Enhanced hypersonic and anti-satellite capabilities
Also Read: IAF struck Karachi's Malir Cantt in Op Sindoor: Report reveals
Talking about the cost and production?
S-400 -
- Cost: ~$500M–$1B per battalion (export price, varies by configuration).
- Mature, with hundreds of systems produced for Russia and exports (e.g., China, India, Turkey).
S-500 -
- Cost: ~$700M–$2.5B per system (2020–2023 estimates, higher due to complexity).
- Production is limited, with serial production starting in 2021. It has faced some delays due to sanctions and S-400 export prioritization.
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