Russia’s new hypersonic anti-aircraft weapon can shoot down missiles in space

The state-of-the-art S-500 Prometheus was delivered to troops for the first time this week and can destroy all incoming Western hypersonic missiles – including those in Earth orbit

Russia has unveiled its anti-aircraft missile system, which it claims can destroy all incoming Western hypersonic missiles – including those in near space.

The state-of-the-art S-500 Prometheus was delivered to troops for the first time this week, the Kremlin said.

Russian deputy premier Yuri Borisov said of the missile system today: ”The state tests have been just completed, and the first deliveries of the (S-500) system have begun.”

Russia will later export the system – probably starting with India – but “not for the next few years”, said Borisov in Siberian city Tyumen.

The S-500 is designed to attack hypersonic missiles and aircraft up to a speed of 11,875 mph as well as unmanned aerial vehicles.

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Major General Sergei Babakov, commander of Russian missile defence troops, said earlier this year: “The S-500 air defence system is capable of destroying hypersonic weapons of all modifications, including in near space, in addition to aerodynamic and ballistic targets, which makes it possible to say with confidence that this system is unique.”

It can engage enemy ballistic missiles at a range of up to 375 miles and aircraft at about 310 miles, say the Russians.

Vladimir Putin had signalled he expected the S-500 to be deployed soon, probably this year.

“Next in line is the delivery of the S-500 complex to the troops, tests of which are already being successfully completed,” he said.

Footage was released inn the summer showing Russia’s S-500 anti-aircraft missile system in action hitting a high-speed ballistic target at the Kapustin Yar training ground in July 2021.

The latest trials at Kapustin Yar range highlight the feverish pace of Russia’s military modernisation which continues despite Russia’s economic woes.

Borisov indicated that modifications of the S-500 will be made later.

However, Kremlin defences have failed to protect Vladimir Putin from the threat of Covid-19, as he revealed to a security conference by video-link that “several dozen” of his entourage have succumbed to the virus.

A blunder meant aides and security retinue failed to get boosters on time, it was claimed.

“Coronavirus cases were identified in my inner circle,” Putin told the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) session in Tajikistan.

“It’s not just one or two but several dozen people.

“So now I have to self-isolate for several days.”

So far the Kremlin strongman, 68, is said to be “absolutely healthy”.