In the West, they are closely watching, how the implementation of the program for creating a promising anti-aircraft missile system S-500 "Prometheus" is progressing in Russia. Recall, that previously representatives of the manufacturer noted, that the S-500 will be in service with Russian units and formations soon. These words and the very fact of the imminent appearance of the latest air defense systems in the Russian Armed Forces aroused concern in NATO.
Mark Episkopos, columnist for The National Interest, an American publication, called the data on the imminent adoption of the S-500 in service in Russia “bad news for NATO”.
Author notes, that the promising S-500 Prometey complex, which he calls "Triumphant-M", has a number of undeniable advantages over the existing SAM.
from the article:
The new generation of Russian missile defense S-500 boasts many best-in-class features. It is assumed, that the complex is capable of deploying anti-ballistic missiles on 600 kilometers, What's on 200 kilometers more than, than the formidable S-400. The S-500 flight range corresponds to an equally impressive ability to track and intercept up to ten missile warheads., flying at a speed of more 4 miles per second (more 6,4 km / s - approx. «IN»).
One of the main issues, which in the West are being asked today in connection with the development of the S-500 by Russia, It is, whether the S-500 can detect and, if necessary, shoot down fifth-generation aircraft F-35 of various modifications. The answer to this question is important primarily for the United States.. Indeed, if for the S-500 technology is "stealth", implemented on F-35, will be an open book, it may not even strike the F-35 prestige itself, but by his, so to speak, commercial program.
F-35 - one of the largest US commercial projects in the military-technical industry over the past few decades. The program has already "eaten" hundreds of billions of dollars, but because the manufacturer expects an increase in the volume of purchases of fighters as in the United States, so in allied countries. And if it suddenly turns out, that the S-500 "Prometheus" radars "see" the F-35 in all flight modes, if the complex is capable of intercepting missiles, standing today in American service, it will be a blow below the belt for the entire American defense industry, including the fifth generation fighter program.
Against this background, an additional trump card will appear in the Russian fighter of the new generation Su-57, which is being prepared for deployment to the Armed Forces. he is, that for the modern stealth fighter technology plays far from an advanced role. Other aircraft parameters are much more important., including its maneuverability, which is determined including its engines.