HTS captures Aleppo: Russian arms fall into rebel hands

Previously backed by Turkey, the jihadists from HTS captured Aleppo, gaining a modern Pantsir-S1 air defence system, which Russia had supplied to Syria. Putin recently promoted this system as a major Russian export. Syria purchased approximately 60 of these systems in a deal made in 2016, and they are among the most recent air defence systems in the Syrian armed forces.

The history of the Pantsir-S1 system dates back to the difficult 1990s in Russia when economic challenges necessitated alternatives to the advanced 2K22 Tunguska artillery-missile systems. Similar to France, where attempts were made to reduce operating costs, it was decided to mount the new weapon system on the chassis of a conventional truck.

Financial difficulties almost led to the project's cancellation until aid came from the United Arab Emirates, which took an interest in the system's concept. The funds invested by the UAE facilitated its completion, with the first systems going to foreign clients before Russia itself. The UAE began using their systems in the early 2000s, while Russia only adopted the Pantsir-S1 in 2012.

The Pantsir-S1 system is equipped with two radars, one for target detection and another for weapon guidance. It also includes a pair of 30 mm automatic cannons, capable of firing up to 2,500 rounds per minute, and anti-aircraft missile launchers.

The cannon section allows for various types of ammunition and can engage targets up to 4 kilometres (around 2.5 miles) away. Meanwhile, the missile section features 12 launchers, grouped in sets of six, capable of firing simultaneously at multiple targets. Radio commands guide the missiles and, according to Russian claims, can hit targets up to 19 kilometres (about 12 miles) away and at altitudes of up to 14 kilometres (around 9 miles).