Russian Pantsir-SM with Small Missiles for Small Drones to be Unveiled on June 24

Russia will unveil its latest Pantsir-SM anti-aircraft system armed with small missiles to destroy mini-drones on June 24 during the Victory Day parade in Moscow.

The heavily modernized version of the Pantsir-S will also have new long-range missiles. In addition, the system is expected to feature greater capabilities for intercepting artillery munitions, missiles and drones, Russian state-media reported Thursday.

Ruslan Pukhov, director of the Centre for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies, told Defenseworld.net today: “The practical experience of using the Pantsir against such inexpensive and small UAVs (in active war zones such as Syria) has led to the development of miniature missiles by KBP, four of which are placed in the standard transporter-launcher container of the basic anti-aircraft missile of the system. Thus, the principle of hitting a cheap target with a cheap missile is being consistently implemented.”

Pukhov added that manufacturer KBP Instrument Design Bureau showcased upgraded Pantsir-SM on a Tornado chassis at Army-2019 event.

The system is said to have a striking range of 30km. “New more powerful missiles double the maximum range of destruction of air targets, while the updated radars extend the detection range and provide accurate guidance of missiles towards its target,” Ruslan added.

“If we again take a look at the experience of the combat use of the Pantsir, it is important to note that it perfectly performs its tasks of combating drone-type targets. The facts are available for both Syria and Libya,” the official asserted.

Russia’s Pantsir-ME, a shipborne air-defense missile and artillery system debuted during the IDEX 2019 exhibition last February.