Russian provocations with Pantsir-S1 systems alarm Ukrainian partisans

Russians are preparing to use the Pantsir-S1 systems for provocations in the temporarily occupied territories during the elections – reports the Defense Express portal, which cites reports from Ukrainian partisans from the Ates group. We explain the capabilities of the mentioned weapon spotted on the streets of Kakhovka.

As claimed by the Ates partisan movement, under the pretext of concern for the safety of voters, the Russian Federation's army is moving numerous anti-aircraft Pantsir-S1 systems in the Kherson oblast (near Kakhovka). Partisans are recording the movements of Russians and providing necessary information regarding the deployment of Russian military equipment, so that the defenders can attack the enemy positions at the right moment. Moreover, Ates appeals for residents of occupied territories not to go to polling stations.

Let’s recall that Pantsir-S1 is indeed a Russian system, recognised as one of the most modern of its kind in the world. For the aggressor army, it is a valuable weapon, often placed on high structures to increase the effectiveness of detecting low-flying targets.

This weapon was introduced into the Russian army's arsenal in the 90s (the first prototypes appeared in 1994). This ground-based air defence system of short and medium range is mounted on wheeled or tracked vehicles, depending on where it will be used. Its crew consists of three people, but the Pantsir-S1 is equipped with radars and a fire control system, allowing it to operate autonomously, without the continuous involvement of the crew.

The system protects against fire from aircraft and helicopters, as well as precision-guided munitions, which travel up to about 1,000 metres per second. One Pantsir-S1 can control up to 12 objects, while its protection range covers up to about 20 kilometres (with a maximum interception altitude of about 15 kilometres). For this reason, it is a weapon that is usually used to protect the most important objects.

For shooting down the mentioned air targets (aircraft, missiles, drones) in this Russian system, two automatic anti-aircraft guns 2A38 calibre 30 mm with a rate of fire reaching 2,500 rounds/min and a range of up to about 4 kilometres are responsible. In addition, the Pantsir-S1 is equipped with 12 anti-aircraft missiles 67E6 or 57E6E. These are grouped in two sections of six each and allow firing at two objects simultaneously.