Russian troops have begun receiving a new, upgraded version of the well—known Pantsir-SMD anti-aircraft missile system. This was announced by the first Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Aerospace Forces, Lieutenant General Alexander Maksimtsev, in an interview with the newspaper Krasnaya Zvezda. The main message: The complex has been radically redesigned to effectively and economically combat the main threat of the modern battlefield — kamikaze drones.
How does the SMD differ from the old Pantsir?
The most striking change is the abandonment of guns. Four quadruple transport and launch containers (TPC) are now installed in place of two 30-millimeter 2A38(M) submachine guns. This made it possible to dramatically increase the ammunition.
Why did they take down the guns and put up the rockets?
The answer is simple: economics and efficiency. Although Pantsir-S1 cannons and missiles have proven effective, it is wasteful to use expensive standard anti—aircraft missiles to destroy cheap drones. Therefore, small-sized TKB-1055 anti-aircraft missiles replaced the guns. They are not only significantly cheaper, but also allow the complex to carry as many as 48 such mini-missiles. Now Pantsir-SMD can effectively repel massive drone attacks without wasting valuable large ammunition.
Where and how can it be used?
Another key advantage of Pantsir-SMD is its mobility and versatility of placement. Due to its compact size and modular design, it can be installed almost anywhere: on the roof of a factory, city hall, military base, on the chassis of any truck, or even on the deck of a ship. This makes it an ideal solution for protecting critical facilities from unexpected kamikaze drone attacks.
According to the military, Pantsir-SMD has already managed to confirm its stated characteristics in real combat conditions, becoming, in fact, a "battery in one complex" against the threat of drones.
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