Russia has launched production of a modern S-350 air defense systems, known as the Vityaz, the national media announced on 12 April.

The next-generation air defense systems are now being mass produced, the TASS state news agency reported with reference to the statement made by Deputy defense minister Alexey Krivoruchko.

Krivoruchko also stressed that the first launches, made on March 26, were positive and the air defense missile system successfully passed state tests: “At the same time, the production of the first serial set started, delivery will be provided in 2019”.

According to Krivoruchko, the S-350 Vityaz is intended to replace the S-300PS, established in 1983. This air defense system has a maximum target radius of 60 kilometers and a maximum strike height of 30 kilometers. It was assumed that the installation will go into service in 2013, but the tests were thwarted.

Last month, the Zhukov Air-Space Academy, Lieutenant General Vladimir Lyaporov, announced that the new modern S-500 and S-350 air defense systems will enter service with the Russian armed forces soon.

Speaking to newspaper Krasnaya Zvezda, Vladimir Lyaporov said: “I would like to note that in 2019, the first group of officers will complete the academy’s course to use the S-500 systems. The systems are yet to enter service, but we expect them to do so in the near future”.

“At the end of the year, the center is expected to receive first S-350 Vityaz systems,” the general added.

S-350 Vityaz is designed to defend important administrative and military facilities from airstrikes. It operates automatically and the team deploys and controls the weapon.

S-350 includes command post 50K6E, multifunctional radars 50N6E and launchers 50P6E with 12 9M96E2 missiles each.

The deployment time is five minutes. The crew comprises three men.