Russia’s new Pantsir-SM air defence system spotted in Algeria

The new generation of Russia-made combined short to medium range surface-to-air missile and anti-aircraft artillery weapon system Pantsir-SM has been seen in a video attributed to the ‘Sakhr 2018’ exercise carried out by the 36th Motorised Infantry Brigade in the 2nd Military Region in northeast Algeria.

The Algerian Ministry of National Defence released video showing exercises with new Russian Pantsir-SM missile system. The distinctive characteristic that new air defence system is fitted to a new 8×8 K-53958 “Tornado” truck chassis with an armored cab.

The updated modification of the air defense system will supposedly exceed the existing one in efficiency. In particular, it is set to be equipped with a new high-speed missile, while the range of target detection and destruction will double.

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Pantsir-SM during the ‘Sakhr 2018’ exercise
Pantsir-SM during the ‘Sakhr 2018’ exercise

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 also uses a new high-speed extended range missile.

Pantsir-SM during exercise in Russia

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