Pantsir-S1

The Pantsir (Russian: Панцирь, lit. '[body] armour') missile system is a family of self-propelled, medium-range surface-to-air missile and anti-aircraft artillery systems. Three types of vehicles make up one system: a missile launcher, a radar truck and a command post. Starting with the Pantsir-S1 (Russian: Панцирь-С1, NATO reporting name SA-22 Greyhound) as the first version, it is produced by KBP Instrument Design Bureau of Tula, Russia, and is the successor to the track Tunguska M1 system. The Pantsir-S1 was designed to provide point air defence of military, industrial and administrative installations against aircraft, helicopters, precision munitions, cruise missiles and UAVs; and to provide additional protection to air defence units against enemy air attacks employing precision munitions, especially at low to extremely low altitudes.

Design

The first finished version was completed in 1995 with the 1L36 radar, later another was designed. It is a short to medium range ground-based air defence system, wheeled, tracked or stationary with two to three operators. Its air defense consists of automatic anti-aircraft guns and surface-to-air missiles with radar or optical target-tracking and radio-command guidance. Its purpose is the protection of civil and military point and area targets, for motorised or mechanised troops up to regimental size or as defensive asset of higher ranking air defence systems like S-300/S-400. The system has capability for anti-munitions missions. It can hit targets on the waterline/above-water. It can operate in a fully automatic mode. It has the ability to work in a completely passive mode. The probability of hitting a target for one missile is not less than 0.7 with a reaction time of 4–6 seconds. It can fire missiles and gun armament while in motion.

For its main radar station, early detection in height may be between 0–60° or 26–82° depending on the mode. In 2013, there was a variant with two radar stations for early detection, standing back to back. The system has a modular structure which enables a fast and easy replacement of any part. After receiving target coordinates (from any source) it may engage the target (using all the radar except the early detection radar) within a range from −5 to +85 (82) degrees (vertical). The interval between missile launches is 1–1.5 seconds (a world record for analogous systems). The S-400 Triumf and Pantsir missile system can be integrated into a two-layer defense system. On 23 June 2025, Russia unveiled an upgrade to its Pantsir, now carrying 48 "mini-missiles" to be used against drones, sparing more expensive missiles for larger targets.

Development

Originally Soviet strategic missile systems had been placed in fixed, hardened sites. Newer systems such as the S-300PS/PM (SA-10/20) were much more mobile, which reduced vulnerabilities to attack. However, once the S-300 unit was found by enemy forces it was still very vulnerable. One of the roles for the Pantsir-S is to provide air defence to the S-300 missile systems. It was decided that a wheeled chassis would be better than a tracked chassis for the Pantsir-S, as wheeled vehicles are faster, less prone to breakdowns, easier to maintain, and cheaper to produce. Development as the Pantsir-S started in 1990 as a planned successor to the Tunguska M1. A prototype was completed in 1994 and displayed at the MAKS-1995. The program soon ran into difficulties which resulted in a halt in funding, but KBP continued development of the program using its own funds. Both the turret and radar systems were redesigned, and all older Tunguska equipment was removed. The system has two new radars with increased range, capable of tracking more air targets, and also land targets. It has an integrated identification friend or foe (IFF) system. Within the cabin two LCD multi-function displays have replaced the multiple CRT display. A new central computer system greatly decreased the reaction time. A single person can operate the system if necessary. The use of newer technologies allow the overall volume of the weapon station to be reduced by a third, and the overall weight by half. The system has enhanced missiles (from type 57E6 to type 57E6-E; probably interchangeable) and guns (from type 2A72 to type 2A38M). Live firing tests took place in June 2006 at the Kapustin Yar firing range, Astrakhan region, Russia. Final test series prior to delivery in May 2007 at Kapustin Yar included forced travel of 250 km (160 mi) to an unprepared launch position, simulating a typical air-defence mission. The Pantsir-S1 air-defence missile-gun system was adopted for service with the Russian Ground Forces in November 2012. The modernized Pantsir-S2 entered service in 2015.

Variants

In August 2024, Russia completed tests of a maneuverable track-based Pantsir-SM-SV system for service with Russian Ground Forces and Airborne Forces.

=== Pantsir-S1 === This is the first and most numerously produced variant, being produced from 2008 to 2019.

=== Pantsir-S1M === A newly upgraded variant of the Pantsir-S1 first unveiled in February 2019 as some of the planned models. Experience from deploying the system in Syria was applied during the development of the new modification. It has an upgraded L-band search radar with ability to track up to 40 targets at once and new multifunctional EHF fire-control radar that can engage four targets simultaneously, both fitted with phased antenna arrays. The system uses a new 57E6M-E surface-to-air missile with an increased ceiling from 15 to 18 km (9.3 to 11.2 mi), an engagement range from 20 to 30 km (12 to 19 mi) and a speed of 1,300 to 1,700 m/s (4,700 to 6,100 km/h; 2,900 to 3,800 mph). It has a 25 kg fragmentation warhead, compared to the 20 kg warhead of the standard 57E6-E missile. The first export contract was signed in August 2021.

Pantsir-M/EM

A naval variant of the land-based Pantsir-S1 was unveiled in July 2015. The system uses two GSh-6-30K/AO-18KD 30 mm (1.2 in) six-barrel rotary cannons, as found on the Kashtan/Kortik CIWS, eight missiles instead of 12 and an additional radar separate from the one fitted on top of the turret itself. The Pantsir-M can simultaneously engage four targets with four missiles in an altitude from 2 to 15 km and at a range of 20 km. The system has an ammunition supply of 32 missiles. It has several combat modules, including an ammunition supply module in the storage and a reloading system under the deck. It may be fitted with surface-to-air missiles from both Pantsir-S and Hermes-K air defence systems with maximum firing range of the later of up to 100 km (62 mi). In the future it will replace the Kashtan/Kortik CIWS on all Russian Navy's warships, starting by Karakurt-class corvettes in 2018. Trials of the Pantsir-M/ME began in December 2017. The system entered service in February 2019.

=== Pantsir-S2/S2E === A modernized system for the Russian Armed Forces and for export. Incorporates new tracking radar, two faced radars with enhanced features and range. It is in service with Russia and Algeria. Syria used to operate the system, but their systems were most likely decommissioned and sold as scrap metal.

=== Pantsir-SM === The Pantsir-SM variant incorporates a multi-functional targeting station, increasing target detection range from 40 to 75 km (25 to 47 mi) and engagement range from 20 to 40 km (12 to 25 mi). The system uses a new high-speed extended range missile. It is fitted to a new 8×8 Kamaz truck chassis with an armored cab. Its development was completed in 2019, resulting in its reported deployment in Ukraine as of December 2023.

Pantsir-SA

After testing Pantsir in the Arctic, it was decided to design a new variant specifically for the Arctic, to use at temperatures below −50 °C (−58 °F) called the Pantsir-SA. This variant has no 30 mm auto-cannon mounted and it is based on an articulated tracked Vityaz vehicle. It is in service with the Russian Northern Fleet as of August 2020.

=== Pantsir-SMD-E === A version unveiled in the "Army-2024" forum. It removes the cannons and could carry 12 57E6-series short-range missiles or 48 TKB-1055 very-short-range interceptors, or a mix of the two types. On 17 June 2025, Rostec CEO Sergei Chemezov stated that "This is very important in order to provide protection against drones, because twelve missiles are sometimes not enough if there is a massive attack". Deliveries to the Russian forces reportedly started in September 2025. On 28 May 2026, video captured a Russian Mi-26 helicopter helping to install a Pantsir-SMD-E on top of the Nordstar Tower, to better protect Moscow from Ukrainian drone attacks.

== Operations == The specific feature of the Pantsir-S1 system is the combination of a multiple-band target acquisition and tracking system in conjunction with a combined missile and gun armament creating a continuous target engagement zone from 5 m (16 ft) height and 200 m (660 ft) range up to 15 km (9.3 mi) height and 20 km (12 mi) range, even without any external support.

=== Modes === Using a digital data link system up to six Pantsir-S1 combat vehicles can operate in various modes.

Stand-alone combat operation: All the combat sequence from detecting a target to its engagement is fulfilled by a single Pantsir-S1 combat vehicle without employing other assets. Operation within a battery ("master-slave"): One Pantsir-S1 operates both as combat vehicle and as "master" command post. Three to five Pantsir-S1 combat vehicles acting as "slave" receive target designation data from the "master" and subsequently fulfill all the combat operation stages. Operation within a command post: The command post sends target designations to the Pantsir-S1 combat vehicles and subsequently fulfill the designation order. Operation within a battery with command post and early warning radar: The command post receives air situation picture from a connected early warning radar and sends target designations to the Pantsir-S1 combat vehicles and subsequently fulfill the designation order.

=== Prototypes === The Pantsir-S prototype from 1994 was built on a Ural-5323 8×8 truck. The Actual Pantsir-S1 is built on KAMAZ-6560 8x8 38t truck with 400 hp (300 kW). UAE Pantsir-S1 is built on a German MAN SX 45 8×8 truck. The Pantsir-S1 is also proposed to be built on an MZKT-7930 8×8 truck with 680 hp (510 kW) from the Belarus company "Minsk Wheeled Tractor Plant" Another Pantsir-S1 option is a tracked chassis type GM-352M1E from the Belarus company "Minsk Tractor Plant". KBP offers also a stationary variant built on a container probably able to be mounted on ships also.

Armament

Missiles

The Pantsir-S1 carries up to twelve 57E6 (export designation) 57E6-E (export enhanced designation) two-stage solid fuel radio/optical command-guided surface-to-air missiles in sealed ready-to-launch container tubes. Missiles are arranged into two six-tube groups on the turret. The missile has a bicalibre body, consisting of two stages in a tandem configuration. The first stage is a booster, providing rapid acceleration within the first 2 seconds of flight, after which it is separated from the sustainer-stage. The sustainer is highly agile and contains the high explosive multiple continuous-rod/fragmentation warhead, as well as the contact and proximity fuses, guidance flare and radio transponder. The missile is not fitted with a seeker to keep target engagement costs low. Target and missile tracking is instead provided via the system's multiband sensor system. Guidance data is submitted via radio link for up to four missiles in flight. The system is capable of tracking and guiding four missiles fired at four distinct targets. Operationally, however, two missile salvos are typically fired at each target. The 57E6 missile is believed to have a kill probability of 70–90%. They have a 15-year storage lifetime in its sealed launch container. Pantsir-S1 combat vehicles can fire missiles on the move. Additional missiles, one mini-missile specifically designed to engage unmanned aerial vehicles (increasing the ammunition stock from 12 to 48 missiles, launched into serial production in June 2025), and another one hypersonic, developing speeds of more than Mach 5, have been developed for the Pantsir system.

==== Autocannon ==== Two 2A38M 30 mm (1.2 in) autocannon guns are fitted with 700 rounds in a variety of ammunition—HE (High Explosive) fragmentation, fragmentation tracer, and armour-piercing with tracer. Ammunition type can be selected by the crew depending on the nature of the target. The maximum rate of fire is 2,500 rounds per minute per gun. Range is up to 4 km (2.5 mi). The combined gun-missile system has an extremely low altitude engagement capability (targets as low as 0 m AGL can be engaged by this system). Wheeled combat vehicles have to be jacked up to keep the machine in the horizontal position and be able to fire the gun with full accuracy. The KAMAZ-6560 has four oil hydraulic jacks for this purpose. Gun:

Designation: 2A38M Type: twin-barrel automatic anti-aircraft gun Calibre: 30 mm (1.2 in) Maximum rate of fire: 2,500 rounds per minute per gun Muzzle velocity: 960 m/s (3,100 ft/s) Projectile weight: 0.97 kg (2.1 lb) Ammunition: 700 rounds per gun Minimum range: 0.2 km (0.12 mi) Maximum range: 4 km (2.5 mi) Minimum altitude: 0 m AGL Maximum altitude: 3 km (1.9 mi)

Fire control

The Pantsir-S1 fire control system includes a target acquisition radar and dual waveband tracking radar (designation 1RS2-1E for export models), which operates in the UHF and EHF waveband. Its detection range is 32–36 kilometres (20–22 mi). Its tracking range is 24–28 kilometres (15–17 mi) for a target with a 2 m2 (22 sq ft) RCS. Can also reliably achieve more, to 45 km (28 mi). This radar tracks both targets and the surface-to-air missile while in flight. Minimum target size 2–3 square centimetres (0.31–0.47 sq in) (0.0004 square metres (0.0043 sq ft)) As well as radar, the fire control system has an electro-optic channel with a long-wave thermal imager and an infrared direction finder, including digital signal processing and automatic target tracking. A simplified, lower-cost version of the Pantsir-S1 is being developed for export, with only the electro-optic fire control system fitted. The two independent guidance channels—radar and electro-optic—allow two targets to be engaged simultaneously. And four for more recent options (2012). The maximum engagement rate is up to 10–12 targets per minute.

=== Support vehicles === In order to increase high operational readiness KBP has designed several vehicles to support the Pantsir-S1 in the field. Command Posts (CP)

The unit Command Post is responsible for the automated control over combat operations of Air Defence (AD) units and subunits. Tasks accomplished by the regimental CP during warfare

Planning of combat operations and development of combat documents (commander's decision) Assigning of operating frequencies of regiment radio electronic assets (acquisition radar, battalions, radio assets of the CP) Calculation of coverage angles for selected positions of an acquisition radar and its detection zones and, battalion firing sectors Routing and displaying of battalion routes during redeployment Survey control and orientation of regiment assets (CP, acquisition radar). CP Capabilities

Battalion CP: up to six launchers (battalion) Regimental CP: up to three battalions 24 hour continuous operations Time of shutting down/deployment: 5 minutes Number of work stations: 4 Crew: combat crew (3), driver-mechanic (1). Transporting-loading Vehicle (TLV)

One TLV per two combat vehicles. The TLV ensures rapid replacement of ammunition during combat operations and carries two complete ammunition loads for combat vehicle (24 missiles and 2,800 30 mm (1.2 in) rounds). Mechanic Maintenance Vehicle

MMV carries out unit vehicles maintenance including launcher mechanical systems and carries spare parts components Electronic Maintenance Vehicle (Launcher)

Maintenance of launcher radio-electronic and optronic systems including automated diagnostics of faulty equipment and its replacement. The vehicle carries a load of common spare parts. Electronic Maintenance Vehicle (Command Post)

Responsible for maintenance and repair of the CP radio-electronic systems. Carries a stock of common spare parts. Adjustment Vehicle

Carries out calibration of launchers radio-electronic and optronic systems. Mechanic Maintenance Vehicle (CP)

Responsible for maintenance and repair of the CP mechanical systems and chassis. Carries a stock of common spare parts. Spare Parts Vehicle

This vehicle carries the common kit of spare parts, tools and accessories for the launchers. Mobile Trainer

Designed to train the combat vehicle crews in field conditions on the weapon system.