The S-400 and S-500 represent two critical layers of Russia’s long-range air and missile defense architecture. While the S-400 is optimized for countering aircraft, UAVs and cruise missiles with broad regional coverage, the S-500 is designed as a strategic shield capable of intercepting ballistic missiles, hypersonic weapons and even space-based threats. This positions the S-400 as a tactical air defense backbone, whereas the S-500 operates at a higher tier as a strategic defense system.

Technically, the S-400 features a detection range of up to 600 km and engagement capability reaching 400 km, supported by multiple radar types and a diverse missile family to counter simultaneous threats. In contrast, the S-500 incorporates advanced radar systems capable of tracking both atmospheric and exo-atmospheric targets, offers engagement ranges exceeding 600 km and can intercept ballistic missiles in their midcourse phase. Its rapid reaction capability against hypersonic targets further elevates it beyond a conventional air defense platform, making the S-500 a critical component of strategic anti-missile defense.