The first prototype of Russia’s new medium-range air defense system that should replace the S-300 was demonstrated in St. Petersburg this past week.

The Vityaz system was shown during President Vladimir Putin’s visit to a St. Petersburg plant (photo) where it is being manufactured by the Almaz-Antei Corporation.

The new air-defense system, which will have more advanced radar and a launcher with 16 missiles, compared with only four on the S-300, should enter service next year, Almaz-Antei Chief Designer Igor Ashurbeili previously told RIA Novosti.

The Vityaz will complement the Morfey, the S-400 and the S-500 air defense systems in the future aerospace defense network to engage targets at ranges from 5 to 400 kilometers, and at altitudes from five meters to near space.

 

Source: RIA Novosti