Summary and Key Points: Steve Balestrieri, a former U.S. Army Special Forces NCO and National Security Columnist, evaluates the S-500 “Prometheus” as it enters operational service.
-While the Kremlin touts the system as a “game-changer” capable of intercepting F-22 and F-35 stealth fighters and low-orbit satellites at a 600km range, Balestrieri notes the program remains plagued by production delays and unverified claims.
USAF Capt. Nick “Laz” Le Tourneau, F-22 Raptor Aerial Demonstration Team pilot and commander, performs a practice demonstration at Joint-Base Langley-Eustis, 17 March, 2025. Laz is the only F-22 Raptor pilot in the world certified to fly the demonstration. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Michael Bowman)
-This report analyzes the S-500’s sophisticated radar complex and its strategic role as a near-space interceptor.
-Balestrieri concludes that while the S-500 poses a significant threat to NATO tankers and AEW&C assets, its ability to track 5th and 6th-generation stealth platforms like the B-21 Raider remains unproven bluster.
Stealth vs. Bluster: Evaluating the S-500’s Real-World Ability to Track the F-35 and B-21 Raider
The Russian S-500 “Prometheus” is a mobile surface-to-air and anti-ballistic missile system designed to counter a wide range of threats, including aircraft, ballistic missiles, and even low-orbit satellites.
It is the next generation of Russian air defense systems, intended to supplement and eventually replace the S-400. The S-500 is developed by Almaz Antei and is known for its ability to intercept hypersonic missiles and its potential anti-satellite capabilities.
Is The S-500 A Game Changer Or More Russian Bluster?
The Russians claim it is a game-changer, with a range of 600 km. It is designed to detect and shoot down 5th-generation stealth aircraft, such as the American F-22 and F-35.
“Our potential adversaries simply do not possess systems with the long-range missile capabilities of the S-500,” Alexander Mikhailov, the head of Moscow’s Bureau of Military-Political Analysis, told state-run news agency TASS.
U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor pilots assigned to 27th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, conduct a capabilities brief at Rimba Air Force Base, Brunei Darussalam, on Aug. 7, 2024. This year marks the 40th anniversary since the United States established diplomatic relations with Brunei Darussalam. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Mitchell Corley)
“While they have long-range systems designed to intercept various offensive weapons, the specific characteristics of the Prometheus remain unrivaled by our closest competitors.”
“It can detect targets up to 600 kilometers away and engage them with surface-to-air missiles at ranges reaching 500 kilometers. This includes not only ballistic missiles but also aerodynamic targets such as NATO’s supersonic aircraft, as well as various missile types. Notably, it can target medium-range missiles and low-orbit satellites involved in reconnaissance and communication,” Mikhailov added.
But, like anything else with the Russian military, one must take the boasting about the capabilities of their newest weapon with a healthy dose of salt.
Russia Creates The First New Regiment For the S-500:
As of last December, they have outfitted one regiment with the S-500, marking the first time Russia has combined air and missile defense into a single system.
“The Aerospace Forces have formed their first air defense and missile defense division,” Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov said.
“The first regiment, equipped with the unique S-500 anti-aircraft missile system, capable of striking targets in near space, has entered combat duty.”
F-22 Raptor Model. Image Credit: 19FortyFive.com
India is exploring the possibility of acquiring the S-500 Prometheus.
According to a report by Indian Defense News, the move is driven by growing concerns over China’s expanding arsenal of hypersonic glide vehicles, ballistic missiles, and stealth aircraft.
Meet The S-500 Missile System:
Russia began developing the S-500 in 2010, shortly after the S-400 systems were deployed. It was designed to work alongside the S-400 and other systems.
Launchers for the S-500 system deploy two rather than four surface-to-air missiles, compared to the S-400 system. The S-500 missiles can engage targets up to 600 kilometres away, compared to 400km for the S-400 and 200km for the rival American THAAD and Patriot systems.
Each S-400 regiment comprises two battalions of eight launchers, though this may differ for the S-500. The new air defense system was intended to provide a new layer to Russia’s air defense network between the more tactical-level S-300 and S-400s and the strategic-level A-235 system, which was designed for defense against ICBM attacks.
S-500’s Increased Interception Range:
The S-500 boasts an impressive range, with some sources claiming it can intercept targets at up to 600 km, a significant increase compared to the S-400.
It’s designed to intercept hypersonic missiles, including those traveling at speeds up to Mach 7. Russian military sources say the S-500 can potentially target and destroy satellites in low Earth orbit, a capability that is not fully verified.
Marine Maj. Joseph Bachmann, of the 33rd Operations Group, executes aircraft shutdown procedures of the second F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter to arrive at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., July 20. Bachmann is the first Marine pilot to be JSF certified. Aircraft AF-8 is the flagship for the 58th Fighter Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)
F-35 Fighter. Image Credit: Creative Commons.
A U.S. Air Force F-35 Lightning II fighter jet from the 56th Fighter Wing, Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, displays it’s crew-designed red, white and blue inlet covers while parked in a military aircraft shelter at the Atlantic City International Airport in Egg Harbor Township, N.J. on May 26, 2016. Pilots and crew from the USAF F-35 Heritage Flight Team made a stop at the 177th Fighter Wing of the New Jersey Air National Guard on the way to their performance at the Jones Beach Airshow in Wantagh, New York on May 28 and 29. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Andrew J. Moseley/Released)
It can intercept ballistic missiles during their mid- or terminal-stage flight and may have access to multiple missile types, depending on its intended target.
Improved Radar System:
The system features a sophisticated radar complex that can simultaneously track multiple targets, including stealth aircraft and hypersonic threats. The radar system allows the S-500 to detect ballistic missiles at ranges up to 2,000 km and airborne targets at up to 800 km.
It was also reported by Russian media in Jun 2021 that the S-500 system will be equipped with interceptors capable of intercepting supersonic weapons.
The S-500 is a mobile system that enables rapid deployment and redeployment to various locations.
There are four radar vehicles per battery: 91N6E(M) S-Band acquisition radar, 96L6-TsP C-Band acquisition radar, 76T6 multi-mode engagement radar, and Yenisei 77T6 Anti-Ballistic Missile engagement radar.
It is designed to work in conjunction with other Russian air defense systems, such as the S-400, S-350, and Pantsir, forming a multi-layered defense network.
S-500 Development and Deployment:
The S-500’s development and design are overseen by the Russian enterprise Almaz Antei. It has faced significant delays in its development. After its design development was completed in 2011, its serial production was shifted from 2014 to 2017, to 2021, and finally to 2025.
It has been speculated that the Russians are deliberately delaying the induction of the S-500 to maintain S-400 production lines and continue their exports. Serial production started around 2021, with deliveries to the Russian armed forces confirmed in 2022.
Two U.S. Air Force F-35A Lighting IIs fly in formation with two ROKAF F-35As during Freedom Shield 25, a defense-oriented exercise featuring live, virtual, and field-based training, March 13, 2025. The aircraft participated in dynamic targeting and aerial refueling training, validating the capability of ROK and U.S. Air Forces, to find, fix, and defeat a range of threats. (Photo courtesy of Republic of Korea Air Force)
F-35 Fighter. Image Credit: Industry Handout.
As of December 2025, the first regiment of the system has been operationally deployed, primarily to protect critical assets and strategic regions.
Military Watch magazine wrote that the system’s very long engagement range allows it to pose a serious threat to force-multiplier assets such as tankers and AEW&Cs, which are vital to the functioning of NATO air power.
The S-500 represents a significant advancement in Russia’s air and missile defense capabilities. Its ability to intercept hypersonic missiles and potentially engage satellites would give it a strategic advantage in modern warfare. The system is also seen as a key component of Russia’s overall air defense network.
There Is No Evidence To Believe It Can Track F-35s:
The Russians boasted it can track American F-35s at long ranges. However, they’ve offered no proof it can target the F-35 or other fifth-generation stealth fighters. It would probably be used to target support aircraft (air refueling tankers) at long ranges.
And it is likely to be even less effective against sixth-generation systems, such as the Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider stealth bomber and the future Boeing F-47 NGAD fighter.
A B-21 Raider is unveiled at Northrop Grumman’s manufacturing facility on Air Force Plant 42 in Palmdale, California, Dec. 2, 2022. The B-21 will be a long-range, highly survivable, penetrating strike stealth bomber capable of delivering both conventional and nuclear munitions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joshua M. Carroll)
U.S. Air Force Airmen with the 912th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron prepare to recover the second B-21 Raider to arrive for test and evaluation at Edwards AFB, Calif., Sept. 11, 2025. The arrival of a second test aircraft provides maintainers valuable hands-on experience with tools, data and processes that will support future operational squadrons. (U.S Air Force photo by Kyle Brasier)
While the Russians tout their performance, they haven’t announced if it’s been used in combat yet, during their invasion of Ukraine.
The project has been plagued by production delays, an issue affecting all of Moscow’s defense industries. It is unlikely that Russia can currently produce the S-500 Prometheus in sufficient numbers to replace existing systems, as production is limited to a small number of units.
While serial production started around 2021-2022, output is restricted by manufacturing capacity, high costs, and a focus on supporting ongoing military operations with existing, less complex systems, such as the S-400.
About the Author: Steve Balestrieri
Steve Balestrieri is a National Security Columnist. He served as a US Army Special Forces NCO and Warrant Officer. In addition to writing on defense, he covers the NFL for PatsFans.com and is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA). His work was regularly featured in many military publications.
