Ukrainian forces have successfully destroyed four Russian Pantsir S1 air defence systems using Darts 429 loitering munitions. The strikes were carried out by the Achilles unit of the 92nd Assault Brigade in the Kharkiv and Belgorod region. This latest success further weakens Russia’s ability to defend against Ukraine’s growing arsenal of drones and precision guided munitions.
One of the destroyed Pantsir S1 systems had been spotted on the frontline approximately six months earlier. It had been modified with additional rubber screen armour, likely an attempt to increase its survivability. However, the adaptation failed against Ukrainian precision strikes, showing that even Russia’s latest defensive measures are ineffective against modern drone warfare.
Ukraine has already neutralised a significant number of Russian Pantsir S1 systems, leaving Moscow increasingly exposed to drone attacks. The Pantsir S1, introduced into Russia’s armed forces in 2012, was designed as a successor to the costly 2K22 Tunguska system to counter drones, cruise missiles, and helicopters. However, its inability to stop advanced Ukrainian drone strikes raises questions about its effectiveness.
Interestingly, the development of the Pantsir S1 was only possible due to financial backing from the United Arab Emirates in the 1990s. At the time, the UAE sought an artillery missile system and agreed to fund Russian development efforts. The first Pantsir S1 systems were delivered in the early 2000s, mounted on German trucks.
The Pantsir S1 is equipped with two radars: one for detecting targets and another for guiding weapons. It features two 25 mm calibre 2A38M automatic cannons, capable of firing up to 2,500 rounds per minute. It also includes 12 anti aircraft missiles, arranged in groups of six, designed to engage multiple targets simultaneously. Russian sources claim that the system’s missiles can engage targets up to 20 kilometres away and at altitudes of up to 15 kilometres. However, the system is not fire and forget, meaning that operators must manually guide the missiles to their targets, a drawback compared to modern Western air defence systems like Skynex.
Additionally, the Pantsir S1 does not use programmable ammunition, further limiting its capabilities. Footage has shown that it struggles to intercept modern stealth cruise missiles like the Storm Shadow or small drones such as the Polish Warmate. Even makeshift first person view drones have proven to be difficult for the system to counter.
