Russia Rekindles Joint Production Offer for S-500 Air Defense System During Modi’s Visit to Moscow

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first bilateral visit to Russia since securing his third term, Russia reignited its proposal for joint production of its advanced S-500 air defence system. This development comes as India continues to bolster its defence capabilities, having already procured the Russian S-400 system for its border security.

The S-500 air defence system developed as a successor to the S-400, represents a significant leap in aerial defence technology. It is designed to intercept a wide array of aerial threats, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), hypersonic missiles, and ballistic missiles, at ranges extending up to 600 kilometres.

The system boasts the capability to track up to 10 hypersonic targets simultaneously and detect hostile objects in the lower layers of space at altitudes reaching 2,000 kilometres.

Despite its versatile capabilities, the primary focus of the S-500 is countering intermediate-range ballistic missiles. In May 2018, Russia demonstrated the prowess of the S-500 by conducting the longest-range surface-to-air missile test to date. Reports, citing unnamed sources familiar with U.S. intelligence on the program, indicate that the S-500 was successful in hitting its targets during these tests.

Whether India accepts Russia’s offer remains to be seen. The deal could face scrutiny due to potential sanctions and geopolitical considerations. However, this renewed push signifies the S-500’s growing importance in the global arms race, particularly in the realm of hypersonic missile defence.

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