Source: TN
Subject: Defence Exercise
Context: PM of India and President of Russia are set to meet during the India–Russia Summit, where both defence ministers are expected to discuss India’s potential interest in Russia’s next-generation S-500 air defence system.
About S-500 Air Defence System:
What it is?
- The S-500 Prometey is Russia’s most advanced long-range surface-to-air and anti-space defence system, capable of intercepting aircraft, ballistic missiles, hypersonic weapons, and even low-orbit satellites.
Developed By: Developed by Almaz-Antey, Russia’s premier air-defence manufacturer.
Key Features:
- Ultra-long range: Can intercept targets up to 600 km away.
- Near-space interception: Works at altitudes up to 200 km, including low-Earth-orbit objects.
- Hypersonic interceptors: Missiles like 77N6-N / 77N6-N1 fly at Mach 5–7, using “hit-to-kill” accuracy.
- Multi-target engagement: Tracks and destroys stealth jets, ballistic missiles, hypersonic glide vehicles, and drones.
- Advanced radar suite: 91N6A(M) & 96L6-TsP radars can detect threats up to 800 km away, including stealth aircraft.
- Rapid response: Reaction time of 3–4 seconds, nearly twice as fast as S-400.
- Highly mobile: Mounted on all-terrain transporters for quick deployment.
Advancements Over S-400:
| Feature | S-400 | S-500 |
| Max Range | 380 km | 600 km |
| Target Altitude | ~30–40 km | Up to 200 km (near-space) |
| Hypersonic Interception | Limited | Full capability (Mach 5–7) |
| Satellite Kill Capability | No | Yes – Low Earth Orbit |
| Response Time | 9–10 sec | 3–4 sec |
| Stealth Tracking | High | Superior multi-band radar |
Significance:
- Massive strategic upgrade to India’s layered air-defence shield.
- Enhances India’s capability against China’s hypersonic missiles and Pakistan’s ballistic arsenal.
- Gives India anti-space defence—a rare capability globally.
