Russia to Receive Advanced S-500 Air Defense Systems in 2024

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu announced on April 23, 2024 that the Russian armed forces will receive the first S-500 Prometheus advanced anti-aircraft missile systems in 2024 to strengthen their air defense capabilities. The S-500 system is designed to intercept intercontinental ballistic missiles, hypersonic cruise missiles, and low-orbit satellites at altitudes up to 200 kilometers.

The S-500 will be delivered in two variations: long-range air defense missile systems and anti-missile defense complexes. It employs advanced missile technology, including the 77N6-N and 77N6-N1 missiles capable of reaching hypersonic speeds. The system has a response time of 3-4 seconds, a significant improvement over the S-400 system's 9-10 seconds.

Shoigu addressed the Russian Ministry of Defense collegium and focused on ongoing Russian offensive operations near Chasiv Yar, Avdiivka, and Donetsk City, claiming recent Russian gains in these areas. However, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) has not yet observed visual confirmation of all the claimed Russian seizures.

The Russian Defense Minister also stated that Russian forces will intensify strikes against Ukrainian logistics centers and storage facilities for Western-provided weapons. Russia plans to double efforts to improve the composition and structure of its military, including the formation of the Moscow and Leningrad military districts and the 44th Army Corps, as well as the expansion of three motorized rifle brigades into motorized rifle divisions.

Why this matters: The deployment of the S-500 is expected to significantly strengthen Russia's air defense capabilities and serve as a deterrent, particularly to NATO and the United States. These military reforms and expansion are likely meant to prepare Russia for a potential future conventional confrontation with NATO, despite the Kremlin's narrative framing them as a passive and defensive response to NATO aggression.

Key Takeaways

• Russia to receive first S-500 air defense systems in 2024 to counter hypersonic missiles.
• S-500 has faster response time (3-4 secs) than S-400 (9-10 secs) and can intercept ICBMs.
• Russia claims recent gains near Chasiv Yar, Avdiivka, and Donetsk, but ISW lacks visual confirmation.
• Russia plans to double efforts to improve military composition, including new districts and corps.
• S-500 deployment aims to deter NATO and the US, as part of Russia's military expansion.