Pantsir-SMD: a new-generation Russian anti-aircraft gun that has been reborn against drones

 

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.

The United States hides nuclear bombs in containers: the new mobile storage system is shocking

The United States is developing something that sounds like an action movie scenario: nuclear bombs in ordinary shipping containers. The new mobile storage facilities, hidden inside standard 20-foot shipping containers, will make it possible to reliably and safely store nuclear weapons even in the most remote and unprotected places — where there are no habitual bunkers and deep dungeons.

Previously, American nuclear bombs were stored in special protected bunkers, the so—called Weapons Storage and Security System (WS3), which are located at large military bases, such as those where carrier aircraft are stationed. But now the military needs more flexibility. What should I do if I need to temporarily deploy nuclear capabilities in a high—risk area, such as Eastern Europe or the Pacific Islands? It takes a long time and a lot to build a bunker. But to put the container — quickly, imperceptibly and can even be moved.

The new storage facility is not just an iron box. Inside there are heavy—duty locks, access control systems, tamper sensors, climate control and protection against burglary and external influences. All this makes the container almost as safe as a stationary bunker, but at the same time mobile.

This approach gives the Pentagon a huge advantage: surprise and flexibility. The enemy does not know exactly where the warheads are located. They can be in a port, at a military training ground, at an airfield — anywhere where a container can be delivered. This complicates reconnaissance and reduces the risk of a preemptive strike.

Of course, the United States does not officially announce the details, but the fact of the development of such systems has already been confirmed by sources in the defense department. And this is another step towards a "dispersed" nuclear strategy, where weapons are not just stored, but hidden in ordinary.