Tweet
Russia develops heavy drone, promises S500 missile system by 2017
Published time: January 25, 2015 15:59
http://on.rt.com/xhfnhb
Anti-aircraft missile system S400 "Triumph" at a site in the Moscow
region. (RIA Novosti/Grigoriy Sisoev)
The Russian military is putting the finishing touches to its very own
heavy military UAV. The drone is part of a wider modernization effort,
with the cutting-edge flagship S500 missile system coming in 2017.
The drone "already exists," according to Russian Deputy Defense
Minister Yury Borisov.
The heavy UAV, created in cooperation with the Federal Security
Service (FSB), will perform "a variety of tactical, operational and
strategic tasks," said Borisov, but he didn't give any further details
such as the name of the vehicle.
The Russian government is expected to release several innovations and
upgrades in the near future, as part of defense modernization. Borisov
mentioned at least four current projects, now "in their final stages
of development."
The country's latest state-of-the-art air defense system currently at
the research and development stage - the S500 - will also appear in
2017, the deputy defense minister told RSN radio. It is an advanced
version of its predecessor - the S400 and is designed to lock on to
and intercept multiple ballistic missiles in seconds. It possesses the
ability to operate at an altitude of up to 124 miles.
The S400 Triumf anti-aircraft system. (RIA Novosti/Mihail Mokrushin)
The new S500 is rumored to be able to engage 10 missiles at once and
have a refined radar system, as well as make speeds of up to 4.3 miles
per second. It's also expected to rival US tech, which currently touts
the RAS3 Patriot missile defense system against the S400.
In 2015, Russia will test its 'Sarmat' missile, expected for shipment
before 2020. According to the senior official, "the missile is capable
of delivering a 10-ton payload." The super heavy liquid-propelled
intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) has also received upgrades.
"It will be able to fly over both the North and South Poles."
READ MORE: Russian 'ABM killer' intercontinental missile to enter
service in 2016
In the meantime, the Russian-French standoff with the delivery of the
Mistral helicopter carriers has led to Russian readiness to accept
almost any way out of the deadlock. The Defense Ministry disclosed on
Saturday the figure it paid upfront for the Mistral delivery that
never came.
The Sevastopol amphibious assault ship of the Mistral class at the STX
Europe shipyard in Saint-Nazaire. (RIA Novosti/Grigoriy Sisoev)
"We paid one billion euro upfront, France has received payment. If it
is unable to deliver Mistral, we intend to raise the issue of the
repayment of debt," Borisov said.
The Russian side is "open to any civilized solution to this
situation," whether it includes delivery or a return of the money
spent, he stressed. The deputy minister also pointed out that either
outcome will have no bearing on the ongoing modernization of Russian
defenses.
READ MORE: Russia sanctions 'must be lifted now' - Hollande
The Ukrainian crisis has strained relations between Russia and France,
with Paris putting on hold the delivery of the amphibious assault
ships to Moscow. President Francois Hollande is already wary of the
strain foreign sanctions are putting on Russia, which he says are
having an effect on Europe as well.
Published time: January 25, 2015 15:59
http://on.rt.com/xhfnhb
Anti-aircraft missile system S400 "Triumph" at a site in the Moscow
region. (RIA Novosti/Grigoriy Sisoev)
The Russian military is putting the finishing touches to its very own
heavy military UAV. The drone is part of a wider modernization effort,
with the cutting-edge flagship S500 missile system coming in 2017.
The drone "already exists," according to Russian Deputy Defense
Minister Yury Borisov.
The heavy UAV, created in cooperation with the Federal Security
Service (FSB), will perform "a variety of tactical, operational and
strategic tasks," said Borisov, but he didn't give any further details
such as the name of the vehicle.
The Russian government is expected to release several innovations and
upgrades in the near future, as part of defense modernization. Borisov
mentioned at least four current projects, now "in their final stages
of development."
The country's latest state-of-the-art air defense system currently at
the research and development stage - the S500 - will also appear in
2017, the deputy defense minister told RSN radio. It is an advanced
version of its predecessor - the S400 and is designed to lock on to
and intercept multiple ballistic missiles in seconds. It possesses the
ability to operate at an altitude of up to 124 miles.
The S400 Triumf anti-aircraft system. (RIA Novosti/Mihail Mokrushin)
The new S500 is rumored to be able to engage 10 missiles at once and
have a refined radar system, as well as make speeds of up to 4.3 miles
per second. It's also expected to rival US tech, which currently touts
the RAS3 Patriot missile defense system against the S400.
In 2015, Russia will test its 'Sarmat' missile, expected for shipment
before 2020. According to the senior official, "the missile is capable
of delivering a 10-ton payload." The super heavy liquid-propelled
intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) has also received upgrades.
"It will be able to fly over both the North and South Poles."
READ MORE: Russian 'ABM killer' intercontinental missile to enter
service in 2016
In the meantime, the Russian-French standoff with the delivery of the
Mistral helicopter carriers has led to Russian readiness to accept
almost any way out of the deadlock. The Defense Ministry disclosed on
Saturday the figure it paid upfront for the Mistral delivery that
never came.
The Sevastopol amphibious assault ship of the Mistral class at the STX
Europe shipyard in Saint-Nazaire. (RIA Novosti/Grigoriy Sisoev)
"We paid one billion euro upfront, France has received payment. If it
is unable to deliver Mistral, we intend to raise the issue of the
repayment of debt," Borisov said.
The Russian side is "open to any civilized solution to this
situation," whether it includes delivery or a return of the money
spent, he stressed. The deputy minister also pointed out that either
outcome will have no bearing on the ongoing modernization of Russian
defenses.
READ MORE: Russia sanctions 'must be lifted now' - Hollande
The Ukrainian crisis has strained relations between Russia and France,
with Paris putting on hold the delivery of the amphibious assault
ships to Moscow. President Francois Hollande is already wary of the
strain foreign sanctions are putting on Russia, which he says are
having an effect on Europe as well.