Russia deploys advanced S‑500 Prometheus to safeguard Crimean bridge
The first operational S-500 Prometheus missile defense regiment is set to be deployed to protect the Crimean Bridge. This represents the latest advancement from the Russians, which Moscow authorities have frequently touted as a major achievement of their defense industry. Here's what is known about it.
The S-500 Prometheus was first mentioned in 2015, when the Russians announced its design phase. Production, however, did not begin until 2021, and initially, only a few units were manufactured. By the end of 2024, Gen. Valery Gerasimov, the Chief of the Armed Forces General Staff of the Russian Federation, confirmed that the first fully operational S-500 Prometheus regiment had been established.
S-500 prometheus to the rescue for russians
According to sources, including the Bulgarian Military portal, the system will be directed to secure the Crimean Bridge. This information isn't surprising, as Ukrainian intelligence suggested months ago that the Russians were starting efforts to deploy elements of the S-500 Prometheus systems in occupied Crimea.
The bridge that connects mainland Russia and Crimea holds strategic importance and has been one of the most heavily fortified objects since the onset of the war between Ukraine and Russia. Ukrainian attacks pose a threat, which may occur not only from the air but also from the Black Sea (as witnessed in July 2023, using surface drones).
The Crimean Bridge is currently protected by the best Russian anti-aircraft systems, the Pantsir-S1 and S-400 systems. Some observers and analysts view the introduction of reinforcements, the S-500 Prometheus, as confirmation of Russian concerns over potential further attacks on the bridge, possibly using Western long-range cruise missiles.
The new hope for russians to protect crimea
The S-500 Prometheus, produced by Almaz-Antey, is a modern and advanced anti-aircraft system. However, like many new Russian innovations, not all technical specifications are publicly known.
"This system does not resemble anything we have ever deployed," said Gen. Valery Gerasimov at the end of 2024, highlighting the S-500 Prometheus's capability to neutralize the most advanced threats, including hypersonic weapons and ballistic missiles.
According to Russian military officials, the S-500 Prometheus is equipped with an advanced four-component radar complex and can detect targets up to 1,200 miles away. The target combat range extends up to 370 miles. The Russians claim that the reaction time to threats in the S-500 Prometheus has been significantly reduced compared to the S-400 systems, several of which deployed in Crimea have already been destroyed by Ukrainian forces.
