Moscow, January 23 – Trials of anti-drone missiles in Russia are nearing completion, with the missiles expected to be deployed to air defense missile systems in the area of the ongoing special operation in Ukraine, according to an informed source. The source stated that defense industry enterprises, in cooperation with the military, are finalizing the testing of mini anti-drone missiles. It is anticipated that these missiles will soon be added to the armament of air defense missile systems on combat duty in the area of responsibility.
The source explained that these missiles are primarily designed to target small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), quadcopters, and FPV drones, which are actively used for reconnaissance and attacks on the front line. He clarified that the mini missiles will be used as part of the upgraded Pantsir-SM air defense missile systems, which have been entering the area of responsibility since last year. The new missiles have a standard configuration similar to the Pantsir complex, consisting of a booster stage and a sustainer stage, but with significantly reduced dimensions in terms of both diameter and length. As a result, one Pantsir-SM combat vehicle can be equipped with 48 anti-drone missiles instead of the standard 12. The new missiles are considerably cheaper than the standard ones, which will increase the economic efficiency of the Pantsir-SM system, as there will be no need to use ammunition that costs at least tens of times more than the target itself, the source added.
In August of last year, the Precision Complexes holding, whose enterprises develop mini missiles, reported that the timeframe and volume of missile deliveries to the troops would be determined by the military department after the completion of testing. As Vladimir Artyakov, the First Deputy CEO of Rostec, stated in an interview in August 2022, the newly developed missiles by the state corporation will be capable of targeting not only UAVs but also multiple launch rocket systems, anti-radiation missiles, anti-tank guided missiles, and various means of air attack. Artyakov also clarified that the close-in engagement zone of the Pantsir complex with the new mini missiles would be reduced to 500 meters. The Pantsir-S and Pantsir-SM air defense missile systems are designed for the air defense of military and administrative-industrial facilities and areas, as well as long-range air defense complexes against aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, precision weapons, UAVs, and multiple launch rocket system projectiles. The complex is equipped with two 30mm twin-barreled guns and 12 missile launchers. The Pantsir-S and Pantsir-SM systems are actively used in the area of responsibility.
