MOSCOW. Nov 29 (Interfax-AVN) - The new air defense system, S-500, will be Russia's response to the U.S. missile defense network spreading towards its borders, Aerospace Defense Forces Deputy Commander for Air Defense Maj. Gen. Kirill Makarov said.
"We will be able to provide missile defense not only to Moscow and the central industrial area but also to other sites on territory of Russia. This is our response to the U.S. missile defense [project]," he told the Rossiya 24 channel on Friday.
S-500 differs from S-400 by its ability to deter not only aerodynamic and medium-range ballistic targets but also intercontinental ballistic missiles, he continued.
"Hopefully, the system will be adopted in two years. We are expecting the delivery of up to ten S-500 systems to the armed forces consistent with the state armament program 2020," Makarov stressed.