Cuba has modernized the Soviet S-125 Pechora short-range anti-aircraft missile systems (SAM) to the Pechora-2BM version as part of technical cooperation with Belarus. This was reported by CiberCuba.
The air defense systems were modernized by specialists from the Scientific and Production Organization "ALEVKURP". Factory tests confirmed the improvement of the S-125.
The S-125 "Pechora-2BM" has retained its main air defense function and can engage ground, sea and static targets. Cuba has about 144 S-125 installations in service.
Journalists from Army Recognition claim that the S-125 "Pechora-2BM" has received improved radar guidance and has become resistant to electronic warfare equipment. However, the SAM system still lags behind modern systems in terms of range, mobility and response speed.
Despite the modernization, the S-125 remains vulnerable to stealth aircraft and high-precision weapons.
According to the publication, in January 2024, the heads of the Ministries of Defense of Belarus and Cuba signed a cooperation agreement. Minsk promised to consider the possibility of supplying Havana with the Polonez MLRS.
Characteristics of the S-125 "Pechora-2BM" (according to Belvneshpromservice):
- Range — up to 30 km
- Altitude of targets hit — up to 20,000 m
- Reaction time from target detection to missile launch — 15 seconds
- Deployment time — 25 minutes
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