Rostec Delivers First Mini-Missiles for the New 48-Round Pantsir Air Defense System

Rostec has delivered the first new mini-missiles that will allow the Russian Forces' Pantsir air defense system to fire 48 projectiles instead of the traditional 12; greatly enhancing its effectiveness against drones, missiles and helicopters.

The delivery was made by High-Precision Systems, a subsidiary of Rostec, to the Russian Defense Ministry under a state defense order.

The mini-missiles, which were shown earlier this year at the World Defense Show in Riyadh and later in Russia at the Fleet 2024 exhibition in Kronstadt, are designed to intercept a broad range of aerial threats including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), missiles, and helicopters.

These small-sized interceptor missiles allow the Pantsir system to carry up to 48 rounds, compared to the traditional 12-missile configuration. The increase is made possible by installing four mini-missiles in place of each standard missile using containerized modules, without extending reloading time.

According to Rostec’s Armament Cluster Industrial Director Bekkhan Ozdoyev, “The new mini-missiles allow us to significantly increase the ammunition load of the Pantsir. As a result, the system can intercept a larger number of air targets, such as drones. Thus, it will be much more difficult for the enemy to ‘discharge’ the system's ammunition while trying to break through the air defense line.”

The new configuration gives Pantsir crews the flexibility to load a mix of standard and mini-missiles depending on operational needs, enhancing both range and responsiveness against varied air threats.

Rostec noted that during testing, the new mini-missiles met all performance expectations and validated their technical design. With operational units now receiving these munitions, the Russian Armed Forces are expected to strengthen their layered air defense capabilities, especially in scenarios involving mass drone attacks or saturation strikes.