Pantsir-SMD: Russia Introduces Latest Air Defense System With 48 Missiles

Defence affairs analysis

The new generation Pantsir-SMD system is equipped with advanced radar and increased missile capacity, giving Russia new capabilities in repelling multiple air attacks, including swarms of drones.

The Russian Armed Forces are further strengthening their air defense lines by delivering a new generation surface-to-air missile (SAM) system, Pantsir-SMD, to its units across the country.

The advanced system was developed by the High-Precision Systems company, which is part of the Rostec state defense conglomerate, and is designed to counter modern threats such as drone swarms, missiles and high-intensity air strikes.

This important development was confirmed by the Chief of the General Staff and First Deputy Commander of the Russian Aerospace Forces, Lieutenant General Alexander Maksimtsev, in an interview with the official military newspaper, Krasnaya Zvezda .

"To enhance defense against major administrative and political centers, strategic infrastructure, important areas, military forces and assets in the rear areas, the Pantsir-SMD missile system is being actively put into service," he said.

Pantsir-SMD is a major upgrade to the Pantsir system family, which is internationally renowned as a mobile air defense platform that combines anti-aircraft artillery and missiles in a single system.

According to official specifications, the latest version of the Pantsir-SMD is capable of carrying up to 48 mini-munitions in its standard launcher, which provides the ability to repel multiple attacks, including from micro-drones, cruise missiles and precision-guided munitions.

The munition configuration can be tailored to operational needs, with a combination of standard missiles and high-velocity mini-munitions to deal with different threats including swarm drones.