Russia launches production of S-350 Vityaz air defense systems

April 12, 2019

Defence Blog:

Russia has launched production of a modern S-350 air defense systems, known as the Vityaz, the national media announced on 12 April.

The next-generation air defense systems are now being mass produced, the TASS state news agency reported with reference to the statement made by Deputy defense minister Alexey Krivoruchko.

Krivoruchko also stressed that the first launches, made on March 26, were positive and the air defense missile system successfully passed state tests: “At the same time, the production of the first serial set started, delivery will be provided in 2019”.

According to Krivoruchko, the S-350 Vityaz is intended to replace the S-300PS, established in 1983. This air defense system has a maximum target radius of 60 kilometers and a maximum strike height of 30 kilometers. It was assumed that the installation will go into service in 2013, but the tests were thwarted.

Last month, the Zhukov Air-Space Academy, Lieutenant General Vladimir Lyaporov, announced that the new modern S-500 and S-350 air defense systems will enter service with the Russian armed forces soon.

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