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S-400 vs S-500: Russia’s Advanced Air Defense Systems comparison

S-400 vs S-500: Russia’s Advanced Air Defense Systems comparison

The S-400 Triumf and S-500 Prometey represent the pinnacle of Russia’s layered air and missile defense capabilities, bridging the gap between traditional surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems and near-space defense platforms. While both systems are designed by Almaz-Antey, their operational philosophies and performance envelopes set them apart significantly.

Introduced in 2007, the S-400 Triumf (SA-21 Growler) was engineered to replace the S-300 series and provide multi-layered protection against aircraft, cruise missiles, and tactical ballistic threats. It can engage targets at ranges up to 400 km and altitudes of 30 km, using multiple missile types — including the 40N6E long-range interceptor. Its advanced 91N6E Big Bird radar and networked command system allow simultaneous engagement of up to 36 targets.

By contrast, the S-500 Prometey (SA-23 Gladiator) represents a major technological leap forward. Operationally fielded in the 2020s, it’s designed not just for aerial defense but also for intercepting intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and even low-orbit satellites. With an engagement range exceeding 600 km and altitude coverage beyond 200 km, the S-500 operates in the exo-atmospheric layer, a domain traditionally reserved for strategic missile defense systems.

Equipped with the 77N6-N and 77N6-N1 interceptor missiles, the S-500 integrates advanced radar systems capable of detecting stealth aircraft and hypersonic targets. It can reportedly neutralize threats traveling at speeds up to Mach 20, a capability unmatched by any other SAM system currently in service.

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In essence, the S-400 serves as a highly effective tactical and strategic defense shield, ideal for protecting cities and military bases, while the S-500 extends that coverage into space-defense territory, forming the uppermost tier of Russia’s integrated aerospace defense network.

	S-400 Triumf Air Defense System S-500 Prometey Air & Missile Defense

Price
Our Rating	8.0 8.0
Manufacturer	Almaz-Antey Corporation Almaz-Antey Corporation
Category	Defense Systems Defense Systems

1. General Information

System Name	S-400 Triumf (SA-21 Growler) S-500 Prometey (Prometheus)
Manufacturer	Almaz-Antey Concern Almaz-Antey
Country of Origin	Russia Russia
Type / Role	Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile System Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile System
In Service	Yes Yes (2021–Present)
Year Introduced	2007 2021
Unit Cost	USD 500 Million (Estimated per Battery) USD 1.5–2 Billion (Estimated per Battery)

2. Performance & Capabilities

Maximum Engagement Range	400 km 600 km
Maximum Engagement Altitude	30 km 200 km
Target Types	Aircraft, Cruise Missiles, Ballistic Missiles, UAVs Aircraft, ICBMs, Satellites, Hypersonic Missiles
Interception Probability	80–90% (depending on target type) 90% (Medium-Range Missiles)
Reaction Time	10 seconds 10 seconds
Radar Detection Range	Up to 600 km 800 km

3. Missile Specifications

Missile Type	48N6DM / 40N6E / 9M96E2 77N6-N / 77N6-N1
Missile Length	7.5 m 7.6 m
Missile Weight	1,800–1,900 kg 2,200 kg
Warhead Type	HE-Fragmentation / Proximity Fuse Kinetic / Fragmentation
Warhead Weight	150 kg 150 kg
Speed	Up to Mach 14 Mach 14

4. Radar & Fire Control

Radar Type	Phased Array / AESA Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Radar
Radar Name	91N6E Big Bird / 92N6 Grave Stone 91N6A(M) + 96L6-TsP Radar Systems
Detection Range	600 km 800 km
Tracking Capacity	300 Targets 150+ Targets
Guidance System	Inertial + Active / Semi-Active Homing Inertial + Active Radar Homing
Fire Control System	Automated Command Post 55K6E Automated Digital Control

5. Launcher & Mobility

Launcher Type	Mobile / Truck-Mounted Mobile / Truck-Mounted
No. of Missiles per Launcher	4 4
Reload Time	30–60 minutes 30–45 minutes
Mobility Platform	BAZ-64022 / MAZ-7910 8×8 Trucks BAZ-69096 10x10 Truck
Crew Required	3–5 personnel 3–5 personnel

6. Command & Control

C2 System	Battle Management & Control (BMC) Integrated Air Defense Network
Connectivity	Secure Radio / Data Link Secure Radio + Satellite Link
Network Capability	Yes (Layered Defense Integration) Yes (Layered Integration with S-400)
Operation Mode	Autonomous / Networked Autonomous / Networked / Manual Override

7. Operational Use

Primary Operator	Russia, China, India, Turkey Russia
Combat Proven	Limited (Operational Readiness Confirmed) No (Limited Operational Testing)
Conflict History	Syrian Air Defense Network None (Deployed for Defense)
Notable Feature	Multi-missile, multi-target defense capability Near-space interception ability

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