Over the past few days, Ukrainian drones have attacked the Moscow oil refinery twice, but the last strike was truly devastating. This is happening despite the fact that the refinery is located just beyond three air defense layers set up around Moscow, with a fourth — the largest yet — already being established.
In addition, another Pantsir air defense system, mounted on a tower in the forest behind the refinery, also provides coverage. However, this was still not enough to protect it from Ukrainian drones, which hit the area at least seven times.
Read more: Ukrainian Drones Strike russian Gas Storage Site, Radars and Logistics Targets in Crimea (Video)
Therefore, to further strengthen the refinery's defenses against future drone strikes, russians began deploying additional assets there immediately after the second attack. A video has appeared online showing a Pantsir air defense system deployed in a combat position on a bridge overpass.
After analyzing the available footage, we determined that the filming location was the parking lot of the Sadovod shopping center, while the Pantsir air defense system was positioned at the exit from the Moscow Ring Road. This location is situated a few hundred meters from the Moscow oil refinery.
In addition to its location, there is something else that is important here. A closer look at this Pantsir system shows its cabin fitted with a "barbecue grill", a feature not previously observed on similar systems deployed around Moscow.
In addition to its location, there is something else that is important here. A closer look at this Pantsir system shows its cabin fitted with a "barbecue grill", a feature not previously observed on similar systems deployed around Moscow.
If confirmed, and with reports already suggesting air defense systems are being redeployed from other regions to defend Moscow, this would be very good news for Ukraine. This suggests that other key targets in russia are now less well protected.
In addition, the available footage reveals another important detail. Specifically, this Pantsir air defense system did not have a full ammunition load. At least two of the six possible missiles were mounted on the launchers on the right side.
It is unknown how many missiles are mounted on the other side, but the situation there is likely similar. This appears unusual, given that Pantsir systems protecting such a facility are typically deployed with full or near-full ammunition loads to repel further large-scale drone attacks.
All of this suggests a severe shortage of anti-aircraft missiles for Pantsir systems, with even those defending critical facilities in Moscow reportedly deployed with only a limited number of missiles.
This may explain the effectiveness of the Ukrainian Defense Forces' recent long-range strikes, especially those targeting Moscow, where such a large number of drones has not previously been observed in a single attack.
Read more: Ukraine Hits Crimean Rail Bridges, Mariupol Fuel Depot, Drone Hubs and Confirms Moscow Refinery Strike
