Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yury Borisov has indicated that India could be the first foreign buyer of the S-500 ‘Prometei’ air defence system if it desires. He made these remarks on a Russian television channel when he was asked whether India would be the first country to purchase the S-500 system. Borisov's statement comes at a time when Russia has started the delivery of its long-range S-400 ground-to-air missile defence system to India. The 2018 S-400 deal signed by New Delhi and Moscow was worth more than $5 billion. In addition to this, speculations hint that India might consider the new generation S-500 Prometei, which is the most advanced Russian mobile air defence system.
Key Points:
1. “Beyond a doubt, once we deliver this system to our troops, India will be the first on the list, if it expresses its desire to buy these advanced armaments,” the Russian Deputy Prime Minister told Russian RuRBC TV channel recently.
2. The Russian Defence Ministry had announced the successful test launch of the S-500 air defence system in July and it was put into service earlier this year.
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3. The S-500 Prometei is so far the most advanced Russian mobile surface to air system and it is designed to strike all existing and future aerospace attack weapons of a potential enemy at all altitudes and speeds, according to media reports.
4. Russia has reportedly been training specialists to operate the new generation anti aircraft missile system since 2017. The S-500 missiles are also capable of intercepting Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs).
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5. The S-500 can intercept the ballistic missiles within a range of 600 kilometres, has an airborne engagement range of 400-500 kms and can easily be deployed.
