TechUkrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries escalate; UK warns of economic impact
Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries escalate; UK warns of economic impact
Ukrainian assaults on Russian refineries show no signs of abating. The British Defence Ministry emphasizes that such actions could significantly impact the Russian economy. Moreover, the British assert that effectively securing all such facilities in Russia is challenging. However, Russia has made attempts to bolster security by relocating valuable weaponry to essential sites, including deploying the Pantsir-S1 systems.
In their daily intelligence briefing, British officials referred to a statement by a Ukrainian intelligence officer. He mentioned that Ukraine has already successfully targeted several Russian refineries. As reported by WP Tech, some of these refineries are approximately 559 miles from the frontline. Despite the distance, Ukrainians have employed drones capable of covering distances up to 621 miles for these strikes.
How will Russia respond to protect its refineries?
The British Defence Ministry indicated that the recent Ukrainian strikes are inflicting significant financial damage on Russia and disrupting its internal fuel market. Repairing the damaged infrastructures will require substantial time, effort, and resources. In response, measures to enhance refinery protection have been initiated by the Kremlin.
The Ministry of Defence of the United Kingdom has learned that Russia plans to utilize Pantsir S1 systems to shield its refineries. These systems are being relocated to key refineries. The Pantsir S1 is among the most advanced equipment in Russia's arsenal, regarded globally as one of the top air defense systems. It is used to protect critical locations including Moscow and President Vladimir Putin's Sochi residence.
Nonetheless, acquiring enough Pantsir systems to safeguard all critical infrastructures poses a significant challenge for Russia. Reports suggest a notable scarcity of air defense systems due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, leading to Russia initiating negotiations with North Korea for additional support.
A Russian Ministry of Energy official disclosed plans to deploy the Pantsir air defense systems at refineries. Given the vastness and complexity of Russia's energy sector, fully protecting all vulnerable sites seems improbable, as noted by the British.
Capabilities and value of Pantsir S1 systems
The Pantsir-S1 systems, known in NATO as the SA-22 Greyhound, were commissioned by the Russian military in the 1990s. These ground-based units specialize in short to medium-range air defense.
Valued between 20 to 30 million dollars, the system components are mounted on wheeled or, occasionally, tracked chassis. Its radar can detect incoming threats up to about 19 miles away.
Its primary weaponry includes 12 anti-aircraft missiles, types 57E6 or 57E6-E, capable of engaging targets up to about 12 miles away and at altitudes up to approximately 9 miles.
In addition to missiles, the Pantsir-S1 systems are equipped with 2A38M automatic cannons, caliber 30 mm. These cannons have a firing rate of up to 2500 rounds per minute, with a range of about 2.5 miles.
