Russia Deploys Upgraded Pantsir-SM to Protect Crimean Bridge from Ukrainian Missiles

Russia has deployed its latest Pantsir-SM air defense system on the Crimean bridge to protect it against 'Neptune' and 'Scalp-EG' missiles that Ukraine possesses.

The upgraded Pantisr-SM air defense system is equipped with the latest 1RS-3 guidance radar based on a reflective phased array with a multiple increase in peak power and tracking power, including the power of a microwave clstron.

The detection range of targets with an EOP of 0.03 sq. m (equivalent to SCALP-EG) from 12 to 24 km, 0.2 sq. m ("Neptune") - up to 37 km.

Ukraine has earlier launched attacks against this crucial bridge connecting the Russian mainland with the Crimean Peninsula by low-observable SCALP-EG cruise missiles, low-altitude Neptune missiles.

According to images and reports appearing in social media, the Russian Aerospace Forces Command has deployed at least a platoon (3 combat vehicles) of the latest Pantsir-SM air defense missile systems directly near the bridge deck.

The system is also equipped with small-sized 19Ya6 SAMs, which provide additional ammunition.

The range of destruction of Neptune missiles by the new 57E6M SAMs reaches 30-33 km, taking into account the placement of the Pantsir SM at an altitude of 15-20 m above sea level.