The increasing widespread use of drones of various types and complexities is one of the major concerns of modern military forces. This reality was demonstrated by the unveiling of the new version of the Pantsir air defense system used by the Russian Armed Forces, called the “Pantsir-SMDE,” during the ARMY 2024 Exhibition held in Moscow.
Although Rostec did not provide extensive details in its official statement, its industrial director, Bekhan Ozdoev, expressed the growing concern over drones and how they have influenced the development of this new version of the Pantsir. Regarding this, the executive stated: “The ‘Pantsir’ family of complexes is continuously improved and expanded. The new ‘Pantsir-SMDE’ is designed to protect fixed installations against aerial attack means, including massive drone attacks. To combat these targets, it can carry 48 short-range missiles. These are effective and economical projectiles that provide reliable protection, even against small drones, allowing us, so to speak, not to use a cannon to kill a sparrow.”
Through the official photographs released by Rostec for ARMY 2024, where the new system is on display, various configurations can be seen that can be adopted for the launch of different types of missiles, in conjunction with the dual-cannon system characteristic of previous versions.
It is worth noting that the Pantsir-S1, the most modern version until the presentation of the new Pantsir-SMDE, used two 30mm 2A38M cannons and short-range 57E6 / 57E6-E missiles. Rostec did not indicate whether, along with the new equipment provided in this version, there are also new variants of the mentioned missiles or new ones improved to counter drones.
Finally, regarding the general features, Rostec highlighted that: “The ‘Pantsir-SMDE’ is equipped with a fire control system that includes a surveillance radar, a multifunctional radar system, and an electro-optical system. It is capable of detecting and destroying aerial targets at medium and short distances, as well as evaluating the effectiveness of the shot in automatic mode.”
They added: “The missile load in the launchers can reach up to 48 short-range anti-aircraft missiles or 12 standard anti-aircraft missiles. The number of missiles in the launcher can vary depending on the combination of standard missiles and mini-missiles.”
It is also important to note that this new version will be presented to the Ground Forces and the Ministry of Defense to demonstrate its capabilities for potential use on the battlefield, both to defend armored units and critical installations, which are priority targets for unmanned aerial vehicles.
You may also like: Alongside the delivery of AK-12 rifles to the Russian Ground Forces, Kalashnikov unveiled its new RPL-20 machine gun and the GP-46 grenade launcher
