Pantsyr-SM

   The Pantsyr-SM is a recent Russian short-range air defense system. It is an improved version of the baseline Pantsyr-S1. that was adopted back in 2007. It uses new missiles, is fitted with new radar, and has some other improvements. Also it is based on a new chassis. First unit of the improved Pantsyr-SM was built in 2017. This air defense system was first publicly revealed in 2019.

   The Panstyr-SM is based on a K-53958 special wheeled chassis (basically a KamAZ-6560M military truck with an armored cab). Though this air defense system can use various other chassis. Furthermore it can be even deployed in a stationary module or on naval vessels.

   The Pantsyr-SM is more of a stationary system, designed to protect point targets.

   The Pantsyr-SM uses a new active electronically scanned array radar. This significantly improved detection range. It can detect targets at a range of 75 km. The original Pantsyr-S1 has a detection range of 36 km. Also this radar is more resistant to jamming.

   It was announced that the Pantsyr-SM uses a new missile that has a maximum range of 40 km and can reach target at an altitude of 15 km. That's twice the range and altitude of the Pantsyr-S1s 57E6 missile. So actually the Pantsyr-SM can be seen as a short- and medium-range air defense system. Also new missiles travel significantly faster at a speed of around Mach 8.7 (10 800 km/h). Most likely that the Pantsyr-SM is also compatible with the older 57E6 missiles.

   It was also planned that the Pantsyr-SM will use new type of small missiles, designed to engage UAVs and drones, as well as mortar mines and artillery rockets. A single missile container could pack 4 of these small missiles. Operational use of the original Pantsyr-S1 in Syria revealed that the original air defense system was inefficient against small and slow-moving targets, such as small UAVs.

   The Pantsyr-SM also has two dual 30 mm guns. Combined rate of fire  is up to 5 000 rpm. These guns can engage targets up to 4 km away. These guns have a limited capability against ground targets and can even use armor-piercing ammunition to engage armored vehicles. Though this capability is mainly intended for self-defenses. A total of 1 400 rounds are carried for these guns.

   This air defense system can fire its missiles on the move, however cannons can be fired only when the vehicle is stationary. Interestingly the new Pantsyr-SM has no stabilizing jacks.

   The baseline Pantsyr-SM carries 12 missiles, sealed in containers. Though was also a planned version with 24 missiles but with no guns.

   Armored cab of the Pantsyr-SM provides protection for the crew against small arms fire, artillery shell splinters and blasts equivalent to 2 kg of TNT.

   This system is operated by a crew of three, including commander, operator and driver.

   The K-53958 special wheeled chassis is powered by a turbocharged diesel engine, developing 600 hp. Engine is mated to an automatic transmission. Vehicle can travel off-road.

   Each Pantsyr-SM system can operate is a stand alone mode, without any external support. Up to 3-5 combat vehicles can be linked in a battery, where one of the vehicles operates as a command post and sends target data to other vehicles. These combat vehicles can also operate in conjunction with an air defense command post receive data from early warning radars.

   A typical battery should include a number of associated support vehicles, such as reloading vehicles, maintenance vehicles, mobile workshops and so on.