Russian Minister of Defense Sergei Shoigu said that the development of the advanced S-350 Vityaz surface-to-air missile system has been completed. Speaking at a meeting of the Defense Ministry Board on defense procurement, the minister emphasized the improved capabilities of the new system.
The Vityaz missile system is a cutting-edge air defense complex and is supposed to replace the S-300V (SA-12 Gladiator/Giant). The system is able to destroy all existing and potential kinds of aerial targets, including stealth objects and combat UAVs. The S-350 can operate both autonomously and as part of air defense units. The system can strike a target within a 60-km range and at altitude of up to 30 km.