In the high-stakes chess game of global missile defense, Russia has made a move that has Western military strategists scrambling to update their playbooks. That move is the S-500 Prometheus.
While the S-400 Triumf has grabbed headlines for years as a potent anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD) system, the S-500 (Russian: C-500 Прометей) represents a quantum leap forward. It is not just an upgrade; it is an entirely new beast designed for a new kind of warfare—one that extends into near space.
This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the S-500 Prometheus capabilities, its role as a “Space Defense System,” and how it compares to its American counterparts like THAAD.
What is the S-500 Prometheus?
The S-500, also known as the 55R6M “Triumfator-M,” is a next-generation surface-to-air missile (SAM) system capable of intercepting intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), hypersonic cruise missiles, and satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO).
Developed by the Almaz-Antey Air and Space Defence Corporation, the S-500 is designed to bridge the gap between tactical air defense (shooting down planes) and strategic missile defense (stopping nuclear strikes).
Key Strategic Objectives
1. Anti-ICBM: Intercepting nuclear warheads at the very end of their flight.
2. Anti-hypersonic: Destroying hypersonic glide vehicles that travel faster than Mach 5.
3. Anti-Satellite (ASAT): Targeting Low Earth Orbit satellites to blind enemy communications and reconnaissance.
4. AWACS Killer: Engaging high-value aerial targets like AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) aircraft at extreme ranges where they previously felt safe.
Technical Specifications: The Numbers that Scare Generals
The specifications of the S-500 are officially classified, but Russian defense ministry disclosures and expert analysis provide a terrifyingly clear picture.
| Parameter | Specification | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Max Operational Range | 600 km (373 miles) | For aerodynamic targets (planes/cruise missiles) |
| Engagement Altitude | Up to 200 km (124 miles) | Reaches into Low Earth Orbit |
| Response Time | 3-4 seconds | From detection to launch |
| Target Speed | Up to 7 km/s (Mach 20+) | Can hit ICBM warheads |
| Simultaneous Targets | Up to 10 | Hypersonic ballistic targets |
| Radar Range | ~3,000 km (for ballistic targets) | With the Yenisei-M radar |
The Interceptors: 77N6-N and Beyond
The true power of the S-500 lies in its new family of missiles. The most critical among them are the 77N6-N and 77N6-N1.
The Radar Complex
A missile system is only as good as its eyes. The S-500 is not a single vehicle but a complex network of radars working in unison.
1. 91N6A (Big Bird): Long-range acquisition radar.
2. 96L6-TsP: Acquisition radar for aerodynamic targets.
3. 76T6: Multimode engagement radar.
4. 77T6: Anti-ballistic missile engagement radar.
The Game Changer: Yenisei Radar
The system is often paired with the Yenisei 3D phased array radar. This sensor is specifically optimized to track small, stealthy, and high-speed targets—essentially, it is designed to spot Hypersonic Glide Vehicles (HGVs) which are notoriously difficult to track on standard radars.
S-500 vs. THAAD: A Clash of Titans
Comparisons are inevitable. Is the S-500 better than the US THAAD?
| Feature | Russian S-500 Prometheus | US THAAD |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Mission | Multi-role (Aircraft, ICBM, Satellite, Hypersonic) | Single-role (Short/Medium Ballistic Missiles) |
| Range | 600 km | ~200 km |
| Altitude | ~200 km | ~150 km |
| Mobility | High (Truck Mounted) | High (Truck Mounted) |
| Radar Coverage | 360-degree (multi-radar) | 120-degree sector (AN/TPY-2) |
| Maturity | Entering Service (2021/2022) | Combat Proven (UAE 2022) |
Analysis:
The S-500 appears to be a more versatile system. While THAAD is a specialized scalpel for ballistic missiles, the S-500 is a Swiss Army Knife that can theoretically do everything—shoot down an F-35 stealth fighter at 400km, smash a satellite at 200km altitude, and intercept a hypersonic missile. However, THAAD is a mature, battle-tested system, whereas the S-500’s capabilities are largely based on manufacturers’ claims and early tests.
Strategic Impact: The “Space Defense” Era
The S-500’s ability to reach 200km in altitude is its most destabilizing feature.
Export Potential: Who Wants It?
While the S-400 has been sold to Turkey, China, and India, the S-500 is currently considered too sensitive for export. Russia views it as a strategic asset for homeland defense, prioritizing the protection of Moscow and key ICBM silos.
However, countries like India and China have expressed keen interest. An export version could appear in the late 2020s, potentially altering the balance of power in Asia.
Conclusion
The S-500 Prometheus is more than just a new missile battery; it is a statement of intent. It signals Russia’s refusal to concede the aerospace domain to Western superiority. By combining anti-aircraft, anti-missile, and anti-satellite capabilities into a single mobile platform, Russia has created a defensive umbrella of unprecedented density.
As the system enters full-scale production and deployment, it forces NATO and US planners to ask a difficult question: How do you penetrate a shield that can see you coming from space, intercept you at hypersonic speeds, and blind your satellites before you even arrive?
Disclaimer: Technical specifications are based on Russian state media reports (TASS/RIA Novosti) and Western defense analysis. Verified combat data is not yet available.