The tactical and technical features of Russia's S-500 Prometheus anti-aircraft missile system are currently not match-able by any industrial-technical competitor, Alexander Mikhailov - Director of Russia's Military- Political Analysis Department - told TASS.
According to Mr. Mikhailov, potential Russian opponents currently do not own any system capable of intercepting the S500-like long-range fighter.
They have long-range systems to deal with various types of attack weapons, but the unique properties of Prometheus that our closest competitors have not yet achieved, he stressed.
The expert added that the S-500 is designed to be able to intercept new types of NATO hypersonic missiles that are still in development in the future, thereby creating a significant strategic advantage for Russia.
Mr. Mikhailov also emphasized that the S-500 is not only an air defense system but also plays the role of a modern space defense complex. The system is capable of detecting targets at a distance of up to 600km and destroying them with surface-to-air missiles at a maximum distance of about 500km.
The targets that the S-500 can intercept include not only ballistic missiles but also aerodynamic targets such as NATO hypersonic aircraft, along with many other types of missiles. Notably, the system is also capable of hitting intermediate-range missiles and low-orbit satellites for reconnaissance and communication.
According to Mr. Mikhailov, Russia's advances in missile defense are putting NATO, especially the US, at a clear disadvantage. The deployment of the S-500 poses a new serious challenge for the US defense industry, he concluded.
On December 17, Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov said that at the year-end summary meeting of the ministry, the first regiment equipped with the S-500 system officially entered combat, marking an important milestone in strengthening Russia's strategic missile defense capabilities.
On the same day, Russian President Vladimir Putin affirmed that Russia will continue to strongly promote military and military technical cooperation with foreign countries.
military and military-technical cooperation with countries, with our allies and partners, needs to continue to be proactively developed, President Putin stressed.
Mr. Putin also said that Russia's collective security system needs to be further improved. In general, work in this field is an important factor contributing to strengthening regional and international security, he said.
