The Pantsir-SMD-E air defense system of the Russian Armed Forces has undergone a significant upgrade in missile capacity by integrating “mini missiles,” thus quadrupling the number of projectiles available per launcher. According to Rostec CEO Sergey Chemezov, who briefed President Vladimir Putin, the new system can now mount up to 48 missiles instead of the traditional 12—a key modification to counter mass drone attacks.
The announcement was made during a meeting focused on the advancement of technological capabilities within Russia’s military industry. Chemezov emphasized that the increased ammunition capacity is crucial in facing swarms of drones with low thermal and radar signatures, a phenomenon increasingly observed in various recent theaters of operation.
The Pantsir-SMD-E is the latest variant in the Pantsir family of air defense systems, designed to engage both conventional aircraft and asymmetric threats, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and loitering munitions. The integration of smaller missiles allows for a higher volume of sustained fire against coordinated drone swarms—a growing trend in modern conflicts such as the war in Ukraine.
This missile capacity enhancement is accompanied by a new airspace surveillance system developed by the High Precision Complexes holding. The system includes compact radars and sensors capable of detecting low-signature targets, and it works in coordination with Pantsir launchers to transmit real-time data to air defense command centers. The goal is to accelerate the detection and neutralization of threats that are hard to track using conventional sensors.
Rostec CEO Sergey Chemezov also reported the development of a new multi-purpose robotic platform, designed to deliver supplies to the front line, evacuate wounded personnel, or carry out kamikaze-style suicide attacks. These types of autonomous vehicles represent a growing trend in solutions for high-intensity combat zones.
According to the Russian firm, Rostec’s modernization strategy relies heavily on direct feedback from personnel deployed on the battlefield in Ukraine. “Our repair workshops are located near the front, and we maintain constant communication with the units. We incorporate all their observations and continuously update the equipment,” Chemezov explained, highlighting the adaptive approach taken by the Russian defense industry based on operational experience.
The evolution of the Pantsir-SMD-E and the integration of new technologies reflect Russia’s efforts to maintain a flexible, fast-reacting air defense capable of operating across multiple scenarios, particularly against emerging threats such as drone swarms, short-range missiles, and autonomous aerial vehicles.
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