New Pantsir-SMD-E: Russia's latest defense against drone threats unveiled

According to Defense Express, the Russian Federation acknowledges that older Pantsir cannons are ineffective, and it reports on the introduction of the new Pantsir-SMD-E complex. This equipment is designed, among other things, for combating drones.

The Russians unveiled their new equipment during the Army-2024 fair. The latest version of the popular Pantsir complexes, the Pantsir-SMD-E, was showcased at a closed event. Notably, this generation has removed the 1.2-inch automatic cannons from its design.

Defense Express points out that removing these cannons is a significant decision. The Pantsir-SMD-E now relies on 57E6E missiles, TKB-1055 missiles, or a combination of both. The Russians indicate that 1.2-inch cannons were ineffective in combat. The report notes that the decision to discontinue the use of cannons is particularly intriguing, attributing it to their limited effectiveness in intercepting drones.

Experts at Defense Express highlight this as a prime example of the quality of certain so-called advanced Russian technologies. Competing anti-aircraft systems are effective against unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). This suggests that the Russians have been unable to create an effective weapon of this type, unlike the anti-aircraft Gepard system.

What enhancements have been made in the new version of the Pantsir? The SMD-E variant was displayed in an independent static configuration, but it can be integrated with trucks or surface platforms, just like its predecessors. The turret of the new Pantsir-SMD-E can hold up to 12 short-range surface-to-air missiles 57E6E, 48 very short-range mini-rockets TKB-1055, or a mix of both types.

The TKB-1055 is a relatively new design meant to counter one of the most prevalent threats today—drones. According to specifications, these mini-rockets have a range of up to 4 miles, while the 57E6E missiles can target threats up to 12 miles away.

The Pantsir system family is continually being improved and expanded. "The new Pantsir-SMD-E was designed to protect stationary objects from air attacks, including mass drone attacks," summarized Bekkhan Ozdoyev from Rostec, the state enterprise responsible for weapon production.

The new Pantsir-SMD-E complex also includes two radars. One radar detects and tracks potential threats, while the other targets missile guidance. As mentioned earlier, this is where the offensive capabilities of the new Russian design end. The SMD-E lacks the dual-barreled 2A38M 1.2-inch automatic cannons, which were standard in previous Pantsir versions.