Russia successfully test-fired its new S-500 air defence missile systems

Russia has successfully test-fired its new S-500 air defence missile systems at a southern training range and hit a high-speed ballistic target.

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The S-500, which is expected to have a maximum firing range of 600 kilometres, is the most advanced anti-missile system in the world and is capable of countering attacks from space.

Its development however is years behind schedule. The military had previously said the army would begin receiving the first S-500 systems in 2020.

In 2017, the S-400 of Russia was described as “one of the best air-defence systems currently made”, and Siemon Wezeman of Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) said it “is among the most advanced air defense systems available.”

On 15 October 2016, during the BRICS Summit, India and Russia signed an Inter-governmental Agreement (IGA) for the supply of five S-400 regiments. The US$5.43 billion deal was formally signed on 5 October 2018, ignoring threat of US sanctions.