S-500 Surface to Air Missile System Delayed - Set to Enter Service "closer to 2020"

Russia's renowned S-500 SAM system, the latest addition to a range of prolific air defence weapons in a series, is according to Lt. Gen. Victor Gumenny, commander of the Russian Air Force, set to enter service "closer to 2020." This represents a slight delay on the previous scheduled commissioning in 2019. Russia'a long range SAM systems, the latest being the S-400 Triumf, have become a hallmark of the Russian military's technological prowess sought out across the world even by states and their allies.

The S-500 is not set to replace the S-400 in the Russian military, as while it is more than capable of engaging enemy aircraft its specialisation differs. The system excels particularly against high value targets such as intercontinental ballistic missiles, and is also specialised in neutralising low flying satellites. The system will also be able to neutralise space craft - which both the U.S. and Russian military are currently developing for military means. The weapons system will therefore be an ideal complement for the S-300V, which until the commissioning of the S-500 into service served a complementary role alongside the S-400 specialised in combatting cruise and intermediate range missiles. With an estimate range of 600km, it is set to be a game changer for Russia's air defence - and much like the S-400 may well be sold to close Russian military partners - with China being a likely first foreign customer. The Turkish President, amid NATO and U.S. complaints regarding his country's decision to purchase the S-400, has also indicated that his county could potentially be interested in the system. Russia will nevertheless prioritise its own defence needs above those of its allies just as it has with previous weapons systems. The key remains denying potential adversaries use of their air, space and missile forces against Russian interests - and the S-500 will represent the very latest in a series of weapons systems which have been developed precisely for this reason - with the first such SAM system, the S-25, having been commissioned under Soviet leader Joseph Stalin for use against U.S. aircraft and entering service in the mid 1950s.