Russia is raising the strategic stakes dramatically, setting the Oreshnik missile system on combat readiness by the end of the year, while the state-of-the-art S-500 Prometheus air defense system has already taken over the protection of Russian airspace.
Panic is spreading in the West as the Oreshnik missile system will be operational by year-end, while the S-500 Prometheus anti-aircraft and missile defense system is already guarding Russian skies, according to statements by Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov during an expanded session of the Russian Ministry of Defense Council.
In his address, Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasized that modernization efforts of the Armed Forces must continue at a high pace and quality, within the framework of the new State Armament Program for the period 2027–2036, currently under development.
He also stressed that the experience from the special military operation, new trends in combat tactics, and rapid development of military technologies must be fully taken into account.
The central axes of the program include air defense and missile defense systems, command and electronic warfare systems, as well as unmanned systems across all domains.
Combat experience
Vladimir Putin has prioritized the development of air and missile defense, both due to experience from the Central Military District and the Iran-Israel war conducted from June 13 to 24, 2025, known as the “Twelve-Day War.”
During this conflict, over 500 ballistic missiles were launched at Israeli cities, with Israel activating its multilayer missile defense.
According to estimates from the Israeli Ministry of Defense, 86% of ballistic missiles and 99% of drones were intercepted, an experience considered extremely valuable.
Within this context, Andrei Belousov announced that the Russian Aerospace Forces have formed their first air and missile defense division, while the first regiment equipped with the unique S-500 Prometheus system has been deployed for combat service.
The new Russian weapon
The S-500 Prometheus, also known as 55R6M Triumfator-M, is a next-generation system designed to counter nearly the full spectrum of current and future aerial and space threats, at all altitudes and speeds.
It is capable of intercepting hypersonic cruise missiles, maneuvering vehicles, low-orbit satellites, medium-range ballistic missiles, and intercontinental ballistic missiles during their terminal flight stage.
Although the exact engagement envelope remains classified, open sources report a maximum altitude of up to 200 kilometers and a range of up to 600 kilometers.
Estimates suggest the system can engage up to 10 targets simultaneously, with speeds reaching 7 kilometers per second.
Combined with the S-400 Triumph, S-300VM4 Antey-2500, and S-350 Vityaz systems, a multi-layered air and missile defense shield is created.
The Triumfator-M also appears to have significant export potential, with India initiating official negotiations with Russia for its acquisition.
New Delhi’s interest is partly due to China possessing the HQ-29 system, which has similar capabilities to intercept intercontinental missiles and space targets.
The deadly Oreshnik
Meanwhile, the Oreshnik system is gaining particular strategic importance. On November 21, 2024, the Russian Armed Forces used it in a non-nuclear version against the Yuzhmash factory in Dnipro.
According to reports, the missile was launched from the Kapustin Yar test field, traveling approximately 850 kilometers in 15 minutes and reaching Mach 11.
No further operational uses followed, although some experts believe more tests are needed to gather additional data.
On November 28, 2024, Vladimir Putin announced the start of serial production of the Oreshnik, and on August 1, 2025, confirmed that the first operational unit had been produced.
By year-end, this mobile ground missile system is expected to achieve combat readiness, likely with the formation of a regiment or even a division on the western strategic axis.
As the Russian president stated, the Oreshnik is not merely another hypersonic weapon. Its power, especially when used en masse and in combination with other long-range precision weapons, could have effects comparable to strategic arms, although it is not formally classified as such.
Who it will target
In the West, political and military officials continuously warn of a potential Russian strike on NATO member states in Europe.
In such a scenario, the Oreshnik could strike any NATO command center in the European theater, no matter how well protected, while the S-500 Prometheus could neutralize aerial command structures.
Analysts say these two systems alone would be sufficient to decisively influence the outcome of a major military conflict.
In the event of a generalized war in the western strategic direction involving nuclear weapons, the consequences for Europe would be catastrophic, with the Oreshnik and its specially designed warheads playing a central role.
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