Russia Tests New Hypersonic Ballistic Missile Interceptor as S-500 and A-235 Systems Near Completion

Russia's armed forces successfully tested a new interceptor missile at the Sary Shagan testing range in Kazakhstan - closely following a similar test on June 4th at the very same site. The Russian Defence Ministry stated regarding the test: "A combat crew of the Aerospace Forces has successfully conducted another test launch of a new anti-ballistic missile at the Sary Shagan testing range.” According to the ministry, the new missile reliably confirmed its performance characteristics and "has successfully completed the task by hitting a simulated target with required accuracy." The missile types tested, and whether the two missiles are the same or belong to the same system, remains uncertain. The Russian military is expected to induct two new hypersonic anti ballistic missile systems into service in the near future. The first, the S-500 Prometheus long range surface to air missile system, entered initial production earlier in the year and will reportedly be able to intercept targets at speeds of at least Mach 14 and at ranges of up to 600km. The platform is intended to replace the A-135 anti ballistic missile system currently in service. The second upcoming hypersonic anti ballistic missile system is the A-235, which is intended to protect Moscow and important industrial regions from nuclear strikes. The system will be heavier and more specialised than the S-500 - but will lack its ability to target aircraft. The A-235 will be able to engage targets outside the earth’s atmosphere at altitudes of up to 800km, and will have a range of over 1000km.