Yesterday, the Russian state corporation Rostec reported the delivery of a new batch of Pantsir-S air defense systems for the Russian Armed Forces, as part of the 2024 State Defense Order. These platforms were built by the Tula Instrument Design Bureau and were delivered ahead of schedule.
In this regard, Bekhan Ozdoev, industrial director of Rostec’s armaments group, stated: “Rostec produces a wide range of military equipment, modern weapons, and air defense systems. Among them, the Pantsir-S air defense missile system is one of the most effective in its class. The complex successfully destroys complex targets with a low radar signature. For example, Western stealth cruise missiles like the Storm Shadow and high-precision multiple rocket launch systems. Destroying a typical target like an F-16 will not be difficult for the Pantsir.”
It is important to note that the recently delivered systems are characterized by their ability to deploy both missiles and guns for air defense, making them effective against a wide range of targets such as aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, and precision weapons. Currently, using its missiles, the system has a range of up to 20,000 meters and an estimated altitude ceiling of 15,000 meters. In contrast, with its guns, the Pantsir-S can defend against short-range targets, capable of neutralizing threats between 200 and 4,000 meters.
Finally, Ozdoev stated: “Currently, our company is producing complexes at a faster pace. Additionally, Rostec continues to work on creating new versions of the systems.” This is noteworthy, considering that during the international forum “Army-2024,” Rostec presented a new version of the Pantsir system, namely the Pantsir-SMD-E. According to the manufacturer, this new version has been specifically designed for combat against large quantities of enemy drones, taking into account the lessons learned from the battlefields in Ukraine.
Images used for illustrative purposes.
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