Preparations Being Made for Mass Production of S-500 Air Defense System

Russian firm, Almaz-Antey has commenced preparations for the mass production of the S-500 anti-aircraft missile system, Yan Novikov, General Director of the state-owned concern said.
“At present, serial production of the S-500 system has been organized using the latest achievements of domestic science and technology,” Novikov said in an interview with an international magazine.
According to Yan Novikov, the combat capabilities of the S-500 significantly exceed the capabilities of previously created anti-aircraft missile systems and complexes. Specifically, the S-500 missiles can strike satellites in near-earth orbit besides fighter jets and long range strategic aircraft.
The S-500 is expected to enter service with Russian Aerospace Forces troops in 2022.
While Russia has had commercial success with the S-400 air defense system, selling it to Turkey, China and India, it is expecting a bigger market for the S-500 given its improved features over the S-400. Presentations were made about the System at Saudi Arabia's World Defense Show earlier this year elicing the interest of several Middle East customers.