In 2025, the Russian armed forces continue to actively modernize their air defense systems. One of the key areas is equipping the Pantsir anti-aircraft missile and gun system with laser weapons. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov announced at the IDEX-2025 international exhibition in Abu Dhabi that work on integrating the laser system into the Pantsir is already underway and the modernized system will enter service in the near future.

"Pantsir" has proven itself as an effective air defense system capable of hitting various air targets, including unmanned aerial vehicles. The system was recently upgraded: it received mini-missiles to combat drones, which reduced the cost of using more expensive anti-aircraft guided missiles. The addition of laser weapons will increase the accuracy and speed of the system's response to modern threats.

In parallel with the modernization of the Pantsir, Russia is actively introducing the S-500 Prometheus anti-aircraft missile system into its armed forces. In December 2024, the formation of the first regiment equipped with this latest system was completed. The S-500 is designed to destroy a wide range of targets, including ballistic and hypersonic missiles, as well as low-orbit satellites. Its capabilities significantly expand the potential of Russian air defense and missile defense.

The S-500 was developed by the Almaz-Antey concern and is capable of detecting and simultaneously engaging up to 10 ballistic hypersonic targets flying at a speed of up to 7 km/s. The maximum range of engagement is 600 km, and the altitude is up to 200 km. These characteristics allow the system to effectively counter modern air attack weapons and ensure the protection of strategically important facilities.

The introduction of the S-500 into the troops began in 2021 and by now the system has passed all the necessary tests and certification. It is planned that in the coming years the S-500 will replace the aging S-400 systems and will become the basis of the Russian air defense/missile defense system. In addition, the possibility of exporting the S-500 to other countries, including India, is being considered, which indicates a high interest in this system on the international arms market.