The S-500, a long-range air defense missile system, is expected to become the backbone of a unified aerospace defense system being formed in Russia.

Neskorodov said in an interview with Moskovsky Komsomolets newspaper on Monday that the complexity of technical solutions used in this unique system and some management problems led to the delay in the development.

“We have to step up the work and make up for lost time,” he said. “Nevertheless, we will have prototypes of several components of the system ready for testing by the end of 2012.”

Russian officials provide sketchy details on the technical characteristics of the new system.

The S-500 will reportedly have an extended range of up to 600 kilometers (over 370 miles) and simultaneously engage up to 10 targets.

The Russian military has demanded that the system must be capable of intercepting ballistic missiles and hypersonic cruise missiles and plans to order at least ten S-500 battalions for the future Russian Aerospace Defense.

The S-500 could become a trump card in Russia’s response to the U.S.-backed European missile shield, which Moscow believes may threaten Russia’s nuclear deterrent.

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin has proposed setting up a government body responsible for consolidating efforts aimed at the creation of an effective aerospace defense network in the country.

The Zafar missile, as it is dubbed in the report, "is a short-range, anti-ship cruise missile capable of destroying small- and medium-sized targets with high precision."

It can be mounted on speed boats and other light vessels, can withstand electronic warfare, and is able to fly in low altitudes to avoid detection, the report said.

Iran has a fleet of speed boats that often challenge US and allied warships in the Gulf.

The vessels are usually controlled by the elite Revolutionary Guards and can be equipped with missiles.

The Islamic republic says it has a wide range of missiles. It says some are capable of striking targets inside Israel as well as Middle Eastern military bases of its other main archfoe, the United States.

Tehran regularly boasts about developing missiles having substantial range and capabilities, but Western military experts cast doubt on its claims.

Iran's military said in January that it could close the strategic Strait of Hormuz in the Gulf, through which a third of global marine oil traffic passes, if it is attacked.

NATO plans to set up the command center for its missile shield at the US military base Ramstein, a diplomatic source said Thursday.

Speaking in Brussels on condition of anonymity, the diplomat said the command center was planned for the Ramstein Air Base, located in the western German state of Rhineland-Palatinate.

The missile shield is intended to protect Europe from a potential attack of medium-range missiles. Several European countries will take part in the project. Spain will host US ships with interceptor missiles, while Turkey will be home to an early warning radar system. Poland and Romania have also confirmed their participation.

Russia has objected to NATO's plans, saying the missile shield will target its own strategic development. US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has said the shield is intended to counter missile threats from Iran.

The missile shield is expected to be fully operational by 2018.

Through its Surface Electronic Warfare Improvement Program (SEWIP) Block 3 upgrade, the Navy seeks to cost effectively enhance the electronic attack (EA) capability of its AN/SLQ-32 V(3) and V(4) electronic warfare (EW) systems to counter threat technology advances. All U.S. aircraft carriers, cruisers, destroyers and other warships use the AN/SLQ-32 EW system.

SEWIP Block 3 is the latest upgrade in an evolutionary succession the Navy is pursuing for its EW system. Each upgrade incrementally adds new defensive technologies and functional capabilities. The Lockheed Martin-Raytheon team intends to offer a SEWIP Block 3 solution derived from more than 80 years of combined, proven experience in developing systems to defend the fleet. A formal Navy request for proposals is anticipated later this year.

Under a $167 million contract awarded by the Navy in November 2009, Lockheed Martin is developing SEWIP Block 2, which includes passive detection capabilities for advanced threats and establishes a framework to easily integrate future upgrades. The Navy approved the Block 2 solution during a Critical Design Review in February 2011, and two engineering development models are undergoing integration and testing at Lockheed Martin's new EW systems test facility in Syracuse, N.Y.

"Technology is rapidly advancing around the world and we understand the threats our Navy faces are not simplified by today's fiscal challenges," said Carl Bannar, vice president of Lockheed Martin's Integrated Warfare and Surveillance Systems business. "By teaming with Raytheon, the original developer of the legacy AN/SLQ-32 program, we will provide the Navy with a solution for SEWIP Block 3 that addresses today's and tomorrow's evolving threats."

Developed by Raytheon in the 1970s, the original AN/SLQ-32 systems employed passive radar technology for early warning, identification and tracking of enemy threats. Subsequent upgrades provided an additional active capability for simultaneous jamming of multiple threats.

"Lockheed Martin's experience on the current SEWIP Block 2 system combined with Raytheon's expertise in shipboard EW will give U.S. Navy fleet commanders a critical advantage on the seas," said Mark Kula, vice president, Tactical Airborne Systems, for Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems. "The Lockheed Martin-Raytheon partnership provides the low-cost, high-reliability solution the Navy needs to meet current and future sea-surface threat environment."

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 123,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation's net sales for 2011 were $46.5 billion.

Raytheon Company, with 2011 sales of $25 billion, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 90 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing; effects; and command, control, communications and intelligence systems, as well as a broad range of mission support services. With headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 71,000 people worldwide.

The £483m contract to develop this cutting-edge air defense system - known as Sea Ceptor - is being awarded to UK industry.

The system uses a new UK-developed missile capable of reaching speeds of up to Mach 3 and will have the ability to deal with multiple targets simultaneously, protecting an area of around 500 square miles (1,300 square kilometres) over land or sea.

Sea Ceptor will be developed under a demonstration contract with MBDA (UK) that is expected to last for five years.

This contract will sustain around 500 jobs in MBDA and its supply chain in key locations across the UK such as Stevenage, Filton and Lostock.

Minister for Defense Equipment, Support and Technology Peter Luff said:

"The development of this missile system is a huge boost to the UK's world-leading missile industry and once again proves our commitment to providing battle-winning technology for our Armed Forces.

"The introduction of this cutting-edge missile system will not only ensure that the Royal Navy will be able to continue protecting our interests wherever they may be, but is also highly significant in sustaining and developing the UK's skill in building complex weapons."

First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope said:

"This new weapon system will equip our frigates to deal with the type of sophisticated missile threat expected in the coming decades. Investment in advanced defense technology, such as Sea Ceptor, is vital to ensure the Royal Navy's continued ability to defend the UK's interests wherever necessary."

Chief of Defense Materiel Bernard Gray said:

"There is no room for complacency when it comes to providing the Armed Forces with the kit that they require and the development of Sea Ceptor is testament to the forward-thinking attitude of the MOD. While we are committed to providing our Armed Forces with the kit they need now it is also vital that we have one eye on the future and the threats that may face us."

Sea Ceptor has been designed for initial use on the Type 23 frigate to replace the Sea Wolf air defense system when it goes out of service in 2016 and it is planned that it will be used on the Type 26 Global Combat Ship. Its flexible design also means that it could in future be adapted for use by the Army and RAF.

SEA CEPTOR is the second major package of work launched under the Portfolio Management Agreement (PMA) signed between MBDA and the UK MoD in March 2010. Under this Agreement, MBDA has responsibility to lead the transformation of the UK’s Complex Weapons (CW) capability through the management of a portfolio of projects potentially worth up to £4 billion over 10 years. SEA CEPTOR employs the core principles of the PMA and is a major contributor to the financial benefits of the portfolio approach, delivering some £1 Billion of efficiencies for the UK MOD.

Peter Luff - Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology - will visit MBDA staff at Filton today (Monday) to discuss the contract. He said: “The development of this missile system is a huge boost to the UK’s world-leading missile industry and once again proves our commitment to providing battle winning technology to our Armed Forces. The introduction of this cutting edge missile system will not only ensure that the Royal Navy will be able to continue protecting our interests wherever they may be, but is also highly significant in sustaining and developing the UK’s skill in building complex weapons.”

Welcoming the announcement, Executive Group Director Technical and UK Managing Director Steve Wadey said: “This contract is important for a number of reasons. In the first instance it ensures that with SEA CEPTOR the Royal Navy will have the best equipment to protect its ships and crews against the growing threat. The contract is also a powerful example of how industry and the MoD can deliver together an advanced capability that meets military needs in the most cost-effective manner.

“It is also a highly significant step in advancing and sustaining the UK’s mastery of complex weapons technology. Importantly, SEA CEPTOR, ideally suited to the Type 26 Global Combat Ship as well as a wide range of other vessels, is highly relevant to a number of navies around the world who are looking for a next generation naval air defence system capable of countering the growing future anti-ship threat”.

SEA CEPTOR will protect both the host ship and high value units in the local area with its capability to intercept and thereby neutralise the full range of current and future threats including combat aircraft and the new generation of supersonic anti-ship missiles. Capable of multiple channels of fire, the system will also counter saturating attacks. Significantly, with SEA CEPTOR this enhanced level of naval air defence will be provided at lower in-service costs for the remaining life of the Type 23s. It will enter service in the middle of the current decade after which it is planned that it will equip the Royal Navy’s Type 26 Global Combat Ship as that replaces the Type 23 after 2020.

A key design driver behind SEA CEPTOR’s concept lies in its simple integration philosophy. The system has been designed with the Global Combat Ship specifically in mind, however, SEA CEPTOR can be easily retrofitted into a wide range of platforms, ranging from 50m OPVs to large surface vessels. The fact that the system will so easily replace the Type 23’s existing air defence weapon is evidence of its modular flexibility.

Two main features provide this flexibility. SEA CEPTOR is a “soft-launch” weapon which allows for a very compact launch system that can be easily positioned in a number of below and above deck locations. More significantly, as a highly accurate and responsive system with missiles featuring precision guidance, SEA CEPTOR interfaces with the ship’s existing surveillance radar and therefore does not require the dedicated fire control radars on which semi-active systems depend.

FLAADS is the name of the far-reaching MoD programme aimed at delivering a new air defence system not only for the Royal Navy but also for the British Army to replace its Rapier deployable air defence system. At the heart of both systems (SEA CEPTOR for the Royal Navy and the future CEPTOR-based land system for the British Army) is MBDA’s Common Anti-air Modular Missile (CAMM).

The Portfolio Management Agreement first tranche of work included a number programmes intended to deliver unique weapon capabilities that are directly relevant to today’s war fighting environment. These programmes are the Fire Shadow Loitering Munition (LM) for the British Army and the now combat-proven Dual Mode Brimstone in service with the Royal Air Force.

There is a high degree of commonality between SEA CEPTOR and the CEPTOR-based system for the land environment, a feature that contributes significantly to modularity and re-use initiatives in other PMA projects.

With industrial facilities in four European countries and within the USA, in 2010 MBDA achieved a turnover of EUR 2.8 billion with an order book of EUR 10.8 billion. With more than 90 armed forces customers in the world, MBDA is a world leader in missiles and missile systems. MBDA is jointly held by BAE Systems (37.5%), EADS (37.5%) and Finmeccanica (25%).

Thales has traditionally supplied the majority of the proximity fuzes for MBDA missiles, including the Seawolf and Rapier missiles that CAMM will replace. The particular challenge in this instance has been to improve performance while significantly reducing price by maximising the use of modularity, generic signal processing and commercial off-the-shelf components.

The contract follows almost five years of Thales research and development, and collaborative working with MBDA on the FLAADS/CAMM concept and assessment Phase.

“MBDA’s selection of Thales UK for the delivery of this critical capability reinforces Thales’s position as a leader in the field of proximity fuzing and as the UK Ministry of Defence’s sovereign provider under Team Complex Weapons.” says Alex Cresswell, head of Thales UK’s land defence business. “This award is a reflection of the invest-ment that Thales continues to make to develop this technology for the benefit of the UK Armed Services.”

Commenting on the selection of Thales UK, Steve Wadey, MBDA’s Executive Group Director Technical and UK Managing Director, says: “Thales brings a wealth of experience in proximity fuzing and we view them as an important contributor to the complex weapons sector in the UK. The Sea Ceptor system and its CAMM missile will deliver a next-generation air-defence capability for the Royal Navy, with excellent potential for overseas sales.”

Thales UK’s Basingstoke facility will undertake the development and qualification work.

Thales has more than 40 years’ experience successfully supplying missile electronics to customers worldwide. There are over 100,000 missile equipments operational in more than 50 countries. Seekers, proximity fuzes, and safe and rrm units are key product areas for Thales, in service in many missiles including TOW-2B, JSOW, Paveway 2/3/4, Storm Shadow, ASRAAM, MICA, EXOCET, Seawolf and Rapier.

Thales is a global technology leader for the defence & security and the aerospace & transport markets. In 2010 the company generated revenues of £11.2 billion (€13.1 billion), with 68,000 employees in 50 countries. Thales UK employs 8,000 staff based at 40 locations. In 2010 Thales UK’s revenues were around £1.5 billion.

Raytheon is building 35 RAM Block 2 missiles during the design and development test period and expects low-rate production to begin in 2012.

"To have a double success during two separate tests within days of each other is a significant accomplishment and proves our design upgrades," said Rick Nelson, vice president of Raytheon Missile Systems' Naval Weapon Systems product line. "The aggressive path we charted for RAM Block 2 will provide our customers with the most sophisticated ship self-defense missile available."

The RAM Block 2 upgrade includes a four-axis independent control actuator system and an increase in rocket motor capability. These and other upgrades increase the missile's effective range and deliver a significant improvement in maneuverability. The improved missile also incorporates an upgraded passive radio frequency seeker, a digital autopilot and engineering changes in selected infrared seeker components.

Robust International Fleet Self-defense System

RAM is a supersonic, lightweight, quick reaction, fire-and-forget missile providing defense against anti-ship cruise missiles, helicopter and airborne threats, and hostile surface craft. The missile's autonomous dual-mode, passive radio frequency and infrared guidance design provides a high-firepower capability for engaging multiple threats simultaneously. Produced in partnership by Raytheon and RAMSYS of Germany, RAM is aboard more than 100 ships as an integral self-defense weapon for the navies of Egypt, Germany, Greece, Republic of Korea, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and the United States.

RAM Contribution to Warfighters

• Provides defense for U.S. Navy carriers, amphibious ships and Littoral Combat Ships.
• Is able to defeat targets by using next-generation radars today.
• All-weather, low-cost self-defense system against aircraft and anti-ship missiles.

Raytheon Company, with 2011 sales of $25 billion, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 90 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing; effects; and command, control, communications and intelligence systems, as well as a broad range of mission support services. With headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 71,000 people worldwide.

But citing unnamed US officials, the newspaper said the military was stepping up efforts to make it more powerful.

The 13.6-ton "bunker-buster" bomb, known as the Massive Ordnance Penetrator, was specifically designed to take out the hardened fortifications built by Iran and North Korea, the report said.

But initial tests indicated that the bomb, as currently configured, would not be capable of destroying some of Iran's facilities, either because of their depth or because Tehran has added new fortifications to protect them, the paper noted.

In a report issued in November, the International Atomic Energy Agency said intelligence from more than 10 countries and its own sources "indicates that Iran has carried out activities relevant to the development of a nuclear device."

It detailed 12 suspicious areas such as testing explosives in a steel container at a military base and studies on Shahab-3 ballistic missile warheads that the IAEA said were "highly relevant to a nuclear weapon programme."

Iran, which has come under unprecedented international pressure since the publication of the report, with Washington and the EU targeting its oil sector and central bank, rejected the dossier as based on forgeries.

Meanwhile, doubts about its bomb's effectiveness prompted the Pentagon this month to secretly submit a request to Congress for funding to enhance the bomb's ability to penetrate deeper into rock, concrete and steel before exploding, The Journal noted.

The Defense Department has spent about $330 million so far to develop about 20 of the bombs, which are built by Boeing Co., the report pointed out.

The Pentagon is seeking about $82 million more to make the bomb more effective, The Journal said.

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, in an interview with The Journal Thursday, acknowledged the bomb's shortcomings against some of Iran's deepest bunkers.

He said more development work would be done and that he expected the bomb to be ready to take on the deepest bunkers soon.

"We're still trying to develop them," Panetta said.

“The 30,000-pound [13,600 kilograms] "bunker-buster" bomb, known as the Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP), was specifically designed to take out the hardened fortifications built by Iran and North Korea to cloak their nuclear programs,” the daily said.

But initial tests indicated that the bomb, as currently configured, would not be capable of destroying some of Iran's facilities, either because of their depth or because Tehran has added new fortifications to protect them, the paper noted.

U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, in an interview with The Wall Street Journal, said more development work would be done and that he expected the bomb to be ready to take on the deepest bunkers soon. "We're still trying to develop them," Mr. Panetta said.

U.S. Officials say new money was meant to ensure the weapon would be more effective against the deepest bunkers, including Iran's Fordow enrichment plant facility.

Fordow is buried in a mountain complex in Iran surrounded by antiaircraft batteries, which makes it a very difficult target for air strikes.

In early January, Head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization (AEOI) Fereidoon Abbasi said Frodow is safe from any kinds of threat by the enemies.

Tehran said it began the project in 2007, but the IAEA believes design work started in 2006.

The existence of the facility only came to light after it was identified by Western intelligence agencies in September 2009.