It became known this past week that the Russian military was captivated by the new modernized SAM system "Pantsir-SM." The development of the Tula Instrument Design Bureau named after A. G. Shipunov has acquired new capabilities in combating drones of various sizes, missiles, and guided artillery shells.
Journalists, citing their sources in the defense industry, wrote that the "Pantsir-SM" SAM system receives new modern detection radars based on phased antenna arrays and tracking radars, which include an optoelectronic complex.
Also, at the presentation of the "Pantsir-SM" modernization in 2022, it was stated that the number of missiles would be increased and that the "Pantsir-SM" would be able to launch 96 missiles simultaneously, repelling attacks from several swarms of drones.
All these innovations are present in the complex.
However, it has now become known that the SAM system has other updates:
- mini-missiles for engaging quadcopters, mortar mines, and other small targets. Four of them are placed in the container of a regular missile;
- some versions of the system do not have radar and guns; the loading vehicle can also engage targets with missiles based on coordinates from the command post;
- skills to work in a team of six vehicles: one SAM system becomes the "eyes" and "commander," while the other five turn off their radars and engage targets.
