Russia Accelerates Production of Improved Pantsir-S Air Defense System

Rostec subsidiary High-Precision Systems has accelerated production of Pantsir-S air defense systems, while simultaneously developing new versions of the system.

“Currently, our enterprise produces systems at an accelerated pace. In addition, Rostec continues to work on creating new versions of the machines," said Bekkhan Ozdoyev, industrial director of the arms cluster of Rostec State Corporation and a member of the bureau of the Union of Machine Builders of Russia.

The company recently delivered a batch of Pantsir-S anti-aircraft missile and gun systems as part of the 2024 state defense order. The systems, produced by the Tula Instrument-Making Design Bureau, were completed ahead of schedule, passing all necessary tests and receiving approval from military acceptance representatives.

The system can intercept targets with low radar signatures, including Western stealth cruise missiles such as the Storm Shadow, as well as high-precision multiple launch rocket system projectiles. Ozdoyev stated, "The Pantsir-S is capable of destroying typical aerial threats, including F-16 fighters."

Recent improvements to the Pantsir-S have enhanced its efficiency against unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), projectiles, and missiles. These modifications were made based on combat experience, validating the previously adopted design decisions.

In August, at the International Military-Technical Forum Army-2024, Rostec introduced the new Pantsir-SMD-E variant, designed to defend industrial and administrative facilities from large-scale UAV attacks.