Russia's S-550 air defense system enters combat service
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Russia's TASS news agency has announced that the new S-500 will become part of Russia's defense arsenal.
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The S-500 air defense system in Astrakhan (TASS)
The Russian news agency TASS announced that the S-500 has passed field trials and the first brigade has commenced combat duty.
The agency detailed how the new S-500 will now be "part of Russia's complete missile and air defense" alongside the low-range S-350, S-400, S-550, and S-500 systems, although official sources have yet to confirm the deployment of the S-550 system.Â
According to a source, the new defense system can target "spacecraft, ballistic missile re-entry vehicles, and hypersonic missiles."
In 2018, India negotiated a $5.5 billion agreement with Russia for the S-400 missile system. Russia is preparing to supply five surface-to-air missile systems capable of targeting planes and missiles.
Yuri Borisov, Russia's Deputy Prime Minister, earlier revealed to the agency that India could potentially be the first to purchase the S-500 Prometev defense system.
Early in December, Russian President Vladimir Putin instructed the Defense Ministry to deliver the systems to the Russian army.
It is worth noting that the S-500 missile is capable of intercepting intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), as well as hypersonic cruise missiles.
Tensions between the US and Russia continue with the former repeatedly accusing Russia of military buildup at the Ukraine border, which Russia continues to deny, and despite the fact that US-Russian talks are set to be held in Geneva on January 10.
On its part, the US announced on Tuesday that the USS Harry S Truman aircraft carrier strike group will stay in the Mediterranean amid tensions with Russia.
