Operation Sindoor: Why India could be interested in Russia's S-500 defence system? Know its power, range, strike capabilities and more

Russia’s S-500 ‘Prometheus’ surface-to-air missile system has entered the spotlight after the success of S-400 during India's 'Operation Sindoor'. Developed by Almaz-Antey, the system had been built to intercept not just advanced aerial threats including ballistic missiles, hypersonic projectiles, but even satellites in low Earth orbit.

The S-500 air defence systems, unlike its predecessor, is not just a mere upgrade, but much more than that. It is a new-generation air defence system, that is capable of engaging targets at altitudes of up to 200 km and at speeds up to 7 km/s. Its stated range for ballistic threats can extend to 600 km, with an ability to simultaneously intercept 10 hypersonic targets. Russia had previously offered India a joint production deal for the S-500.

The S-500 system uses multi-frequency and jam-resistant radars to track stealth aircraft and near-space objects. Some key components of this system includes- 77N6 and 40N6M missiles which are designed for both anti-aircraft and anti-ballistic roles. It also has a rapid response time of under four seconds which is nearly twice as fast as the S-400.

The S-500 is especially engineered to counter a wide range of threats. This includes ballistic missiles, drones, hypersonic weapons, aircraft, and low orbit satellites. Russia claims that the system can even respond to space weapons launched from orbital platforms.

With detection capability of up to 2,000 km for ballistic targets and 800 km for aircraft, it extends the perimeter of engagement far beyond any conventional systems.

With its reach into near space and it's ability to neutralise hypersonic threats, and advanced features, the S-500 has positioned itself as a key player in future conflicts. For countries like India, it represents not just defence, but strategic deterrence in an increasingly contested airspace especially during hostile times like these.

Russia’s S-500 ‘Prometheus’ surface-to-air missile system has entered the spotlight after the success of S-400 during India's 'Operation Sindoor'. Developed by Almaz-Antey, the system had been built to intercept not just advanced aerial threats including ballistic missiles, hypersonic projectiles, but even satellites in low Earth orbit.

The S-500 air defence systems, unlike its predecessor, is not just a mere upgrade, but much more than that. It is a new-generation air defence system, that is capable of engaging targets at altitudes of up to 200 km and at speeds up to 7 km/s. Its stated range for ballistic threats can extend to 600 km, with an ability to simultaneously intercept 10 hypersonic targets. Russia had previously offered India a joint production deal for the S-500.

The S-500 system uses multi-frequency and jam-resistant radars to track stealth aircraft and near-space objects. Some key components of this system includes- 77N6 and 40N6M missiles which are designed for both anti-aircraft and anti-ballistic roles. It also has a rapid response time of under four seconds which is nearly twice as fast as the S-400.

The S-500 is especially engineered to counter a wide range of threats. This includes ballistic missiles, drones, hypersonic weapons, aircraft, and low orbit satellites. Russia claims that the system can even respond to space weapons launched from orbital platforms.

With detection capability of up to 2,000 km for ballistic targets and 800 km for aircraft, it extends the perimeter of engagement far beyond any conventional systems.

With its reach into near space and it's ability to neutralise hypersonic threats, and advanced features, the S-500 has positioned itself as a key player in future conflicts. For countries like India, it represents not just defence, but strategic deterrence in an increasingly contested airspace especially during hostile times like these.