Russia’s Aerospace Forces (VKS) have begun receiving the new Pantsir-SMD modular surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems, marking the first public confirmation of deliveries. The announcement was made by Chief of the General Staff – First Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the VKS, Lieutenant General Alexander Maksimtsev, in an interview with the Ministry of Defence’s official Krasnaya Zvezda newspaper.
According to Maksimtsev, the Pantsir-SMD will strengthen protection of administrative and political centres, critical facilities, regional hubs, troop formations and rear-area assets against massed enemy air attacks.
What Is the Pantsir-SMD and Its Export Variant?
The Pantsir-SMD is the latest addition to the Pantsir family, designed in a modular configuration. The export-oriented version is designated Pantsir-SMD-E.
The system integrates a fire control suite comprising a surveillance radar, multifunction radar, and electro-optical system. It is capable of automatically assessing the effectiveness of each engagement.
What Is New About the Mini-Missile Capability?
In June 2025, Rostec’s High-Precision Systems holding company began deliveries of new small-sized anti-aircraft guided missiles for the Pantsir series under the state defence order. These mini-missiles are intended for short-range interception of a variety of targets, including unmanned aerial vehicles.
Each container holds four mini-missiles and can be installed in place of a single standard Pantsir missile. The pre-packaged container reload time matches that of regular ammunition.
The Pantsir-SMD’s loadout can be configured for up to 48 mini-missiles, or a mix of standard and mini-missiles, depending on mission requirements. This significantly increases the number of aerial targets that can be engaged before reloading, making saturation attacks more difficult to execute.
How Will It Be Deployed?
The Pantsir-SMD is intended to operate within Russia’s integrated air defence network, covering high-value targets and supporting frontline and rear units. The system’s flexibility in missile configuration allows operators to adapt to varied threat environments, from drone swarms to conventional aerial strikes.