The Pantsir-SMD-E. Click to see full-size image. (Rostec)
Russia has unveiled a new version of its Pantsir short-range air defense system that was specifically designed to help shield critical infrastructure from drones.
The new version, dubbed Pantsir-SMD-E, made its debut at the Army 2024 exhibition, which opened at the Patriot Park in Kubinka outside of Moscow on August 12.
The modular Pantsir-SMD-E was showcased in a self-contained static configuration. However, it could be integrated onto various tactical trucks or other platforms, including ships, just like the previous version of the Pantsir system.
The new version has a turret that can be loaded with up to 12 57E6-series short-range command-guided surface-to-air missiles, as many as 48 TKB-1055 very-short-range interceptors, or a mix thereof. The new TKB-1055 missile was especially designed to counter drones and has a stated maximum range of just over seven kilometers compared to the 57E6-E’s nearly 20 kilometers, per a placard seen at Army 2024.
The Pantsir-SMD-E turret has two integrated radars, one for spotting and tracking targets and another fire control type for directing the command-guided missiles, in addition to an electro-optical system.
However, unlike other ground-based Pantsir versions, the new one lacks the two twin-barrel 2A38M 30 mm automatic cannons.
“The Pantsir family of systems is constantly being improved and expanded. The new Pantsir-SMD-E is designed to protect stationary objects from air attack weapons, including massive drone attacks,” Bekkhan Ozdoyev, head of the “arms cluster” of Russia’s state-run Rostec defense conglomerate, said in a press release.
“To combat these targets, the system can carry 48 short-range missiles. These are effective and inexpensive ammunition that reliably protect against small drones, and allow, figuratively speaking, not to shoot sparrows with a cannon,” he added.
The Pantsir-SMD-E was apparently designed based on the experience Russia gained from its ongoing special military operation in Ukraine, where the Russian military has been facing intense use of reconnaissance and attack drones by Kiev forces.
The simplicity of the Pantsir-SMD-E design will likely make it faster and cheaper to produce. Same goes for the smaller TKB-1055 missiles.
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