Article Posted on : - May 14, 2010

The S-400 Triumf missile of Russia.

MOSCOW (BNS): Russia is developing a new anti-missile system, S-500, which will be an advancement of its predecessor, the S-400 Triumf air defence missiles, a former Russian Air Force chief has said.

“The new anti-aircraft missile system S-500 will be a further development of the S-400,” Retired General Anatoly Kornukov was quoted as saying by Arms-Tass.

The new weapon system will have an extended range of about 600 kilometers and will engage up to 10 targets at the same time. It will have the capability to destroy hypersonic and ballistic missiles and other aircraft.

The S-400 Triumf has a range of 400 kilometers and can take on up to six targets at a time.

The S-500 anti-missile system is being developed to outperform the S-400 Triumf and US’ Patriot Patriot Advanced Capability-3 system.

Russia intends to establish a dedicated air and space defence network which will include the S-400 and the S-500 missiles.

While the Russian armed forces have deployed two regiments of the S-400 systems, the S-500 is expected to roll out in 2012.