Rostec Defense Corporation announced that the Russian Armed Forces have received a new batch of surface-to-air missiles for the Pantsir-S air defense system.
This is a move to enhance short- and medium-range air defense capabilities in the context of modern threats such as herd UAVs, cruise missiles and low-altitude targets becoming increasingly popular on the battlefield.
The new missiles are optimized to destroy many types of air targets. The Pantsir-S system uses a 57E6-E type of solid-fuel double-phase missile, with a range of up to 20km and a maximum altitude of 15km. Each missile carries a powerful detachable bullet weighing about 20kg, capable of detonating near a rapidly moving and highly mobile target. The missile's flight speed is up to 3,675km/h, allowing it to respond promptly to unexpected threats.
In terms of radar structure, the Pantsir-S is equipped with S-band target tracking radar, capable of detecting 36 targets at the same time in a range of 32 to 36km, depending on the radar range and flight type of the target. The system also integrates a 2-riester fire control radar in the E and Ka bands, supporting accurate guidance for up to 4 intercept missiles at 4 different targets at the same time. This dual radar design is especially effective when dealing with small-scale and high-speed targets such as UAVs or low-altitude missiles.
The system is also equipped with two 30mm 2A38M automatic fireworks, each with 2 guns with a firing speed of up to 2,500 rounds/minute per guns. These fireworks are effective in a range of 200m to 4km, providing a short-range defense layer.
The entire combination is mounted on the 8x8 KAMAZ-6560 tire chassis, allowing movement at a maximum speed of 90km/h and an operating range of about 500km. The system can deploy and be combat- ready for 5 minutes, and is capable of firing while moving.
Tacnically, the Pantsir-S plays a key role in protecting strategic targets as well as long-range air defense systems such as the S-300 and S-400. Thanks to its high mobility, the system is easily rearranged to respond quickly to situations on the field.
