Russia has completed tests of its new S-500 surface-to-air missile system and has started supplying it to the armed forces, the RIA news agency quoted deputy prime minister Yuri Borisov as saying on Thursday.

Iran PressEurope: Russian troops have begun to receive the latest S-500 Prometheus air defense system, Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Yury Borisov said at a forum on Thursday.

"Until very recently Russia has completed the state tests of the complex and starts to deliver its first batch," said Borisov, although noting that the first delivery is not in the full range requested by the client.

"This refers to such configurations of the complex as the agreed composition involves," he said.

According to the report, the S-500 system is designed to intercept long- and medium-range ballistic missiles as well as warplanes.

The system is an upgraded version of the current S-400 Triumph system, which is capable of destroying targets at a distance of up to 400 km and a height of up to 30 km. 219