Tuesday, February 2, 2016

Russia to test new S-500 defenses in 2016

The first prototypes of Russia's next-generation S-500 long range air defense system will reach completion and begin pre-tests in 2016, according to state-run Sputnik News.

The new generation system will be capable of destroying aerial offensive targets, as well intercontinental ballistic missiles and targets near space.

The S-500 "not only combines the best feats of the previous systems, but also offers completely new possibilities in the field of air, missile and space defense," according to Viktor Murakhovski, a member of the advisory council of Russia's Military-Industrial Commission.

The long-range system, manufactured by Moscow-based defense firm Almaz Antey, will have a range of 600 kilometers (more than 370 miles) and could simultaneously intercept up to ten ballistic warheads flying at speeds of up to 23 thousand feet per second. Its missiles will be able to change their trajectory in midflight and may be able to strike targets as high as 115 miles. (Read More)