Russian Pantsir-S Might Receive 48 Anti-drone Mini-Missiles
In keeping with the evolving dynamics of global warfare, Russia’s air defense system is undergoing significant enhancements. Small rockets, specifically designed to equip diverse variants of the Pantsir-S anti-aircraft missile system, are currently being subjected to rigorous testing at a domestic range.
This information was relayed to the RIA Novosti correspondent by the official representative of the Rostec holding, underpinning the nation’s commitment to bolstering its aerial defense capabilities.
Mini-missiles serve a strategic role in the realm of “close front” military engagements, primarily focused on the capture and subsequent neutralization of small airborne threats.
These threats, often in the form of formidable swarms, encompass UAVs, which include both assault drones and kamikaze drones, as well as MLRS projectiles. The latest model of Russian anti-aircraft missile technology stands as a testament to this, specifically engineered to engage in combat at distances reaching up to 500 meters.
As per the information procured, the intricate missile complex, which hitherto housed a single 9M335 / 57E6 type missile on each guide “rail”, now possesses the capacity to accommodate four mini-missiles.
The Pantsir-S system boasts of twelve such regular guide rails. Consequently, in its revamped version, the Pantsir-S has the potential to be armed with an impressive total of forty-eight anti-aircraft missiles. Moreover, drones are not only susceptible to missile armaments, but they can also be significantly “distorted” courtesy of a dual-barreled 30 mm cannon system.
The projectile has firmly established itself as a dependable and potent instrument for intercepting a wide array of air equipment deployed by the Armed Forces of Ukraine, spanning from aircraft to attack drones.
Notably, it has evolved to counter the advanced HIMARS missiles and the stealth missiles of British-French origin, namely, Storm Shadow. There is speculation, grounded in substantial evidence, that in the imminent future, it may be armed with hypersonic interceptor missiles.
About Pantisr-S
Pantsir-S is a Russian-made air defense system designed to protect military and civilian objects from various aerial threats. It is a highly mobile system that can operate in any weather conditions and can be deployed in a short amount of time. The system is capable of engaging targets at a range of up to 20 km and at altitudes of up to 15 km.
The Pantsir-S system is equipped with a combination of guns and missiles, which makes it effective against a wide range of targets, including aircraft, helicopters, drones, and cruise missiles. The system’s guns have a rate of fire of up to 5,000 rounds per minute, while its missiles have a range of up to 20 km and can reach speeds of up to Mach 2.5.
The Pantsir-S system uses a combination of radar and optical sensors to detect and track targets. The system’s radar can detect targets at a range of up to 36 km, while its optical sensors can detect targets at a range of up to 20 km. Once a target is detected, the system’s computer calculates its trajectory and determines the best way to engage it.
The Pantsir-S system is designed to operate in a network-centric environment, which means that it can be integrated with other air defense systems to provide a comprehensive air defense capability. The system can also be operated remotely, which allows it to be used in unmanned mode.
Drones in the war
Unfortunately, there is no reliable data on the exact number of drones Ukraine uses per month against Russian armed forces in the war in Ukraine. The Ukrainian military has been known to use various types of drones, including domestically produced models and those acquired from foreign countries. However, the exact number and frequency of their use remains unknown.
It is worth noting that the use of drones in modern warfare has become increasingly common, and Ukraine is not the only country to utilize them in their military operations. Drones offer a number of advantages, including the ability to gather intelligence, conduct surveillance, and even carry out targeted strikes.
Despite the lack of specific information on Ukraine’s drone usage, it is clear that the conflict in Ukraine continues to be a complex and ongoing issue. The use of drones is just one aspect of the larger conflict, which has involved a range of military tactics and strategies on both sides.