Russia to develop S-500 air defense system by 2016 - designer

SOFRINO (Moscow region), April 8 (RIA Novosti)

Russia's Almaz-Antei design bureau is planning to complete the development of the advanced S-500 air defense system by 2015-2016, the company's deputy general director Yury Solovyev said Friday. The S-500, a long-range missile system, is expected to become the backbone of a unified aerospace defense system being formed in Russia. "Our design bureau is working to complete the development of the S-500 system by 2015-2016," Solovyev said. He said the designers were facing a number of problems, including a lack of reliable and efficient electronic components. "But we will be able to resolve them," the official said. The S-500 is expected to have an extended range of up to 600 km (over 370 miles) and simultaneously engage up to 10 targets. Russia's Defense Ministry has demanded that the system must be capable of intercepting ballistic missiles and hypersonic cruise missiles.