Missile S-500 Prometheus

The S-500 Prometheus, also designated 55R6M Triumfator-M, is a mobile surface-to-air and anti-ballistic missile system designed to supplement the S-400 and A-235 defense networks. Development aimed to replace legacy missile systems and integrate into a multi-layered air defense architecture. Serial production began in 2021, with the first units entering service with the 15th Aerospace Army in September of that year.

The system is designed to intercept and destroy ballistic missiles, hypersonic cruise missiles, and aircraft. Its target set includes unmanned aerial vehicles, low Earth orbit satellites, space weapons launched from hypersonic aircraft, and hypersonic orbital platforms. The S-500 is intended to simultaneously engage multiple ballistic hypersonic targets. The system architecture includes the 77P6 launch vehicle based on a 10x10 truck, 55K6MA and 85Zh6-2 command posts, and multiple radar units for acquisition and battle management. These units include the 91N6A(M) acquisition radar, the 76T6 multimode engagement radar, and the 77T6 anti-ballistic missile engagement radar. The system utilizes the 40N6M missile for anti-aircraft operations and the 77N6 and 77N6-N1 missiles for anti-ballistic and anti-satellite roles. The system features a response time of less than four seconds.

The S-500 is operated by the Russian Space Forces. Initial deployment occurred within the Moscow Oblast and the central region of the Russian Federation, specifically under the 1st Special Purpose Air and Missile Defense Army. In June 2024, the system was reportedly deployed to the Crimean peninsula for the defense of the Kerch Bridge. This deployment marked its operational debut, where it was utilized against MGM-140 ATACMS missiles. While Russian officials have identified India as a potential export customer, the system is not currently operated by foreign countries. Production has faced reported delays attributed to labor shortages and international sanctions.