MOSCOW – Latest air defense system S-550 of world’s second-largest armsexporter Russia has entered combat service, Russian state-run news agencysaid.
The report claimed that S-500, which is capable of hitting spacecraft,ballistic and hypersonic missiles, has completed field trials and the firstbrigade has begun combat duty.
S-550 was first announced in November and is thought to be a derivative ofthe S-500 more specialized in ballistic missile defense. The new defensesystem will now be part of Moscow’s inclusive missile and air defense withthe low-range S-350, S-400 and S-500 systems.
The arrival of S-550 ensures that the largest country by area possesses amultilayered air- and missile-defense architecture.
Meanwhile, the official sources still haven’t confirmed the deployment ofthe S-550 system capable of targeting altitudes of tens of thousands ofkilometers.
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Russia’s state tech corporation Chief, earlier in November, said that theS-550 will have a longer-range target detection and missile interceptioncapability.
Russia’s latest moves come as tensions at the border with Ukraine continuewhile Moscow and Washington are set to hold talks in Geneva on January 10.
