Battle of Counter-UAS SAMs- Raytheon's Coyote Vs. Russian Pantsir-S1

The spectacular success of drones on the battlefield in Ukraine has prompted Russia and the United States to develop counter-measures against them.

Russia this week tested a unique upgrade to its Pantsir-S1 air defense system- one that combines an electronic warfare system for a "soft kill" of drones in the air together with a gun-missile system for the "hard kill" approach.

On February 13, Baltic Fleet servicemen underwent a drill to protect command posts from UAV attacks, the Russian MoD announced. "During the drills, a protective dome with a radius of several dozens of kilometers was set up combining the Leer-3 EW system and the Pantsir-S1 gun-missile system."

Earlier, TASS revealed that the Pantsir-S1M was being upgraded to carry 48 mini missiles, up from the 12 standard missiles it currently carries with the specific purpose of combating drone swarms.

The U.S. Army announced on 9 February that it has awarded a contract to Raytheon worth $75 million for the production of 600 Coyote 2C interceptors in support of its counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) mission.

Over the years, American company Raytheon's KuRFS radar has evolved from a sense-and-warn radar, initially developed in 2012 for tracking rocket, artillery, and mortar attacks in Afghanistan and Iraq, into a counter-UAS solution.

In parallel, the Coyote interceptor transitioned from a tube-launched UAV to a rail-launched, radar-guided missile positioned as a counter-UAS ' system. In 2019 the Coyote, now under Raytheon Technologies, was designated as an air defense missile, equipped to intercept drones. The introduction of Coyote Block 2 in 2020 further enhanced its capabilities, allowing it to engage single drones and swarms at higher altitudes and longer ranges than comparable systems.

In 2020, the Low, slow, small, unmanned aircraft Integrated Defeat System (LIDS) program was established, integrating KuRFS and Coyote with other systems to create a multi-mission solution. LIDS, deployable in mobile or fixed platforms, provides a layered defense against the growing threat of unmanned systems, addressing Group 1-3 UAS threats.

The successful testing of Coyote interceptors in 2021, where they destroyed mock enemy drones, further validated the capabilities of the integrated LIDS system.

In April 2023, Raytheon Technologies secured a $237 million contract from the U.S. Army for KuRFS and Coyote effectors. This contract aimed to enhance detection and defeat capabilities against unmanned aircraft (UAVs). LIDS, with its KuRFS precision targeting radar and Coyote interceptors, proved instrumental in providing persistent detection, identification, and tracking of airborne threats. The success of LIDS was again demonstrated in 2023 during tests at the Army’s Yuma Proving Ground, where KuRFS detected a complex swarm, and Coyote interceptors effectively defeated multiple targets, both singles and swarms.

International interest in LIDS is substantial, with more than a dozen countries seeking briefings, and the U.S. State Department approving a potential sale of the system to Qatar. As the Army prepares for its next record test in Arizona, the LIDS system stands poised to showcase its exceptional capabilities and continued effectiveness in countering unmanned aerial threats.

Counter-drone Systems in the Russia-Ukraine War

In the Ukraine War, both Ukraine and Russia employ counter-drone systems against the widespread use of drones. Traditional air defenses, including interceptors and anti-drone guns, prove effective against larger, slower drones, but the cost of intercepting drones remains a challenge.

To address this, electronic warfare tactics such as jammers and high-energy lasers are increasingly used to disrupt drones, especially smaller ones that can swarm and overwhelm air defenses.

Ukraine faces challenges in electronic warfare compared to Russia but receives support from NATO member states, incorporating the latest Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) technology. These systems vary, from handheld devices like the Skywiper EDM4S to larger platforms like the Terrahawk Paladin, Slinger, and Cortex Typhoon. Mobile C-UAS platforms, mounted on trucks or armored vehicles, provide flexibility in deployment.

Ukraine also utilizes Smartshooter systems to modify existing weapons for drone targeting. While effective, these systems have limitations in detecting and engaging drones in swarms.