The Kremlin has applauded its effectiveness against fifth-generation winged creatures: the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II.
Ukraine in counterattack: the role of the S-500 in Russian tactics
Kyiv’s fury is unleashed on the battlefield, deploying a lethal array of weapons in an attempt to subdue the Russian troops. From deadly drones to anti-tank missiles, the mission is clear: retake the lands taken.
For its part, Moscow hides behind its S-500, the jewel in its anti-aircraft defense arsenal. The Kremlin has applauded its effectiveness against fifth-generation winged creatures: F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II.
Also known as the 55R6M “Triumfator-M,” the S-500 is more than just a surface-to-air missile system; it is the hypersonic obstacle to enemy skies. However, is it really as formidable as it is claimed to be?
The development of the S-500: problems and challenges
The rise of the S-500 has not been without its turmoil. Development of the system began in 2010, but constant delays have marked its production. Indeed, the series production launch, initially scheduled for 2011, is again postponed to 2025.
The ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine poses even more challenges. The demands of the conflict threaten to derail the launch of the S-500, leaving its future implementation in uncertain.
Does the S-500 live up to its reputation, or is it simply a well-orchestrated piece of propaganda by Moscow? To understand this, it is necessary to delve into its structure and capabilities.
Technical details of the S-500: myth or reality?
In 2019, Moscow proudly announced the “world’s largest surface-to-air missile test,” in which the S-500 reportedly shot down a target 300 miles away. This defense system is equipped with four long-range 40N6M missiles or two 77N6 interceptors in tubes mounted on a launch vehicle.
In addition, this system is supported by a network of four radars per battery, designed to detect ballistic and airborne targets up to 2,000 and 800 km, respectively. However, despite Russia’s claims, these specifications are difficult to verify.
Furthermore, the S-500’s alleged ability to shoot down fifth-generation fighters and intercept hypersonic weapons has yet to be confirmed outside of Russian military circles.
S-500 versus Kinzhal hypersonic missiles
The Kremlin has claimed that the S-500 is the only system capable of shooting down the country’s Kinzhal hypersonic missiles. These air-launched ballistic missiles can carry conventional and nuclear warheads.
Contradicting Russian claims, in May, Kyiv announced that it had shot down one of these Kinzhal missiles with a Patriot system. This event raises further questions about the true effectiveness of the S-500 against high-yield missiles.
Despite the challenges and uncertainty, the S-500 has a secure place in the future of Russian air defense.
What do we know about the S-500 defense missile system?
In 2019, Moscow claimed to have carried out the “world’s largest surface-to-air missile test” after allegedly using the S-500 to hit a target approximately 300 miles away.
The new defense system reportedly consists of four 40N6M long-range surface-to-air missiles or two 77N6 interceptors in tubes mounted on a launch vehicle. As detailed by the Center for Strategic and International Studies, “the system has four radar vehicles per battery, including the 91N6E(M) S-band acquisition radar, the 96L6-TsP C-band acquisition radar, the multimode coupling radar 76T6 and the 77T6 anti-ballistic missile docking radar.9 This radar complex supposedly allows the S-500 to detect ballistic and air targets at a distance of up to 2,000 and 800 km, respectively.”
Effectiveness of the S-500 air defense system: Russian propaganda?
Although Russia claims that these are the true capabilities of the S-500, it is difficult to verify these specifications. Furthermore, Moscow claims that this air defense system can shoot down fifth-generation fighters and intercept hypersonic weapons, which is impossible to confirm.
The Kremlin specifically bragged that the S-500 was the only system of its kind capable of shooting down the country’s Kinzhal “hypersonic” missiles. The Kinzhal is an air-launched ballistic missile capable of carrying conventional and nuclear warheads. Although Russia has often claimed that the Kinzhal is unstoppable, kyiv revealed that it had shot down one of these missiles using the Patriot system in early May.
When the S-500 enters series production, it will not completely replace its predecessor, the S-400. The Kremlin hopes that the new system will replace its predecessor. The Kremlin expects the new system to play a prominent role in Russia’s national air defenses in the future.
