MOSCOW, Nov. 26 (Xinhua) -- Russia plans to deploy another five battalions equipped with the advanced S-400 Triumph air defense systems in 2010, the Air Force commander said on Thursday.

    "So far we have two S-400 battalions and both were deployed in the Moscow region," Col. Gen. Alexander Zelin was quoted as saying by Itar-Tass news agency.

    "We are due to arm another five battalions with S-400s next year, but everything would depend on the industry's capabilities," Zelin said.

    The S-400 Triumph is designed to intercept and destroy airborne targets at distances of up to 400 km. The system is also believed to be able to destroy stealth aircraft, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles.

    A regular S-400 battalion comprises at least eight launchers with 32 missiles and a mobile command post, RIA Novosti news agency reported.

    Russia's new state arms procurement program stipulates the purchase of enough S-400 air defense systems to arm 18 battalions by 2015.