Forthcoming S-500 Induction Fuels Turkish Interest
Russia aims to get its next-generation S-500 SAM into service this year, accelerating Turkish interest in acquiring the system despite U.S. objections
A TEL (transporter-erector-launcher) system for the S-400 is seen on a MAZ chassis. Operational systems use the BAZ vehicle. (photo: Vladimir Karnozov)
A TEL (transporter-erector-launcher) system for the S-400 is seen on a MAZ chassis. Operational systems use the BAZ vehicle. (photo: Vladimir Karnozov)

Chief of Russia’s Air-and-Space Defense Military Academy, Lt. Gen. Vladimir Lyaporov, said that the S-350 and S-500 surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) will become operational “later this year,” ahead of an earlier plan by the Russian defense ministry to bring these advanced surface-to-air missile systems into service in 2020.