MOSCOW

Russian armed forces started taking delivery of the latest S-500 surface-to-air anti-ballistic missile system, an official said on Thursday.

The test stage has been successfully completed, and deliveries have begun, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yury Borisov told media in eastern Tyumen province.

The S-500 system, called Prometheus, is intended to replace A-135 and S-300 missile systems and supplement the S-400 systems.

The S-500 is a new-generation surface-to-air missile system, designed to intercept and destroy intercontinental ballistic missiles, hypersonic cruise missiles and aircraft.

Air defense against electronic warfare and airborne early warning and control systems also feature in the new system.

* Written and contributed by Ahmet Gencturk in Ankara