russian publish the first photos of the Pantsir-SM-SV surface-to-air missile and anti-aircraft artillery system. Earlier, this system was only shown at exhibitions and parades.
The development of the Pantsir-SM-SV system began in the 2020s, when the wheeled Pantsir-SM was not considered a priority by the military. This was due to the shortcomings of the KamAZ chassis, such as the high center of gravity, which sometimes caused the system to tip over on turns, and, most importantly, its low off-road capability and inability to accompany armored vehicles off-road.
Read more: Ukrainian UAV Pilots Targeted russian Tor System in Motion and More Armored Units (Video)
In 2024, the russian federation announced the first combat use of the Pantsir-SM-SV, during which it allegedly confirmed the declared characteristics. Now the first photos of it taken outside of public events have appeared. It is worth noting that, judging by the photo, the Pantsir-SM-SV is in a stationary position, protected by gabions.
In addition, the system is not equipped with protection against attack UAVs and FPV drones. This could indicate that the Pantsir-SM-SV is positioned in the rear, protecting russian targets from Ukrainian long-range UAVs.
Pantsir-SM-SV characteristics: radar detection range of 75 km, maximum missile range of 40 km, the ability to intercept air targets at speeds of up to 2 km/s (Mach 6), and the capability to destroy ballistic missiles.
For comparison, the Pantsir-S1 has the following characteristics: radar detection range of 36 km, maximum missile range of 20 km, and the ability to intercept air targets at speeds of up to 1,000 m/s (Mach 3).
The type of missile in the Pantsir-SM-SV is not disclosed, but it is probably a little-known 57EBM-E missile. It is unlikely to be equipped with a warhead, but is designed to destroy targets through kinetic interception, commonly known as "hit-to-kill" technology.
The Pantsir-SM-SV is mounted on a GM-5970 series tracked base chassis, instead of a KamAZ. The GM-5970 chassis is quite "popular" as it is already used in such anti-aircraft missile systems as the Tor, Buk, and Tunguska, the latter of which is actually a deep modernization in the Pantsir-SM-SV.
Earlier Defense Express reported that explosions at Engels airbase had blown out caponiers and left craters.
Read more: Destruction of Ammunition at Engels Airbase Officially Confirmed – russians Did Indeed Store Cruise Missiles in the Open
