Russia test-fires S-500 air missile defence systems

With a maximum range of 600 km, the latest missile weapon system carried out live-fire exercises to hit a high-speed ballistic target at Kapustin Yar training ground, Russian defence ministry says.

Russia said it had successfully test-fired its new S-500 air defence missile systems at a southern training range and hit a high-speed ballistic target.

Russia says the S-500, which is expected to have a maximum firing range of 600 kilometres, is the most advanced anti-missile system in the world and is capable of countering attacks from space.

Its development however is years behind schedule.

The military had previously said the army would begin receiving the first S-500 systems in 2020.

In April, the maker of the systems, Almaz-Anty, said that work on the S-500 was nearing completion.

“At the Kapustin Yar training ground the latest S-500 air defence missile weapon system carried out live fire exercises to hit a high-speed ballistic target,” the defence ministry said in a statement.

“The target was hit,” the statement added.

#Видео На полигоне Капустин Яр новейшая зенитная ракетная система С-500 выполнила испытательные боевые стрельбы по скоростной баллистической цели https://t.co/fs4BNuVSjS#Минобороны #ПВО #С500 #КапустинЯр pic.twitter.com/NUxjyux0lH

— Минобороны России (@mod_russia) July 20, 2021

Zircon hypersonic cruise missile

Video footage of the test was released by the defence ministry for the first time.

After tests are completed the first S-500 system – also known as Prometheus and the Triumfator-M – will be sent to an air defence unit outside Moscow, the defence ministry said.

On Monday, Russia said it had carried out another successful test of its Zircon hypersonic cruise missile, part of a new arsenal of weapons described as “invincible” by President Vladimir Putin.

He was scheduled to attend an airshow later on Tuesday, at which a new Russian-developed fighter jet was due to be unveiled.

The Russian military has reported another successful test launch of a new Zircon hypersonic cruise missile. ??

Russia's defence ministry said the missile was launched from a frigate in the White Sea, northern #Russia, successfully hitting a target more than 217 miles away. pic.twitter.com/w3XEp45yrA

— Forces News (@ForcesNews) July 19, 2021