BALASHIKHA (Moscow Region), August 11 (RIA Novosti) - Russia's new air defense system, the S-400, will be equipped with new missiles by the end of 2006, the Air Force commander said Friday.

An advanced surface-to-air missile system designed to destroy aircraft, cruise missiles, and short- and medium-range ballistic missiles at ranges of up to 400 kilometers (250 miles), the S-400 (NATO reporting name SA-20 Triumf) is to be put on combat duty this year. Lightweight 9M96 missiles, with a range of about 120 kilometers (75 miles), will be mounted to counter low-flying targets.

"The new missile is undergoing trials and there is no reason to doubt they will be a success," Vladimir Mikhailov said.

But the commander said development would not stop with the introduction of the new missiles because more effective missiles were being designed.

The new systems will be set up to protect cities and industrial areas.