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Three years after the first foreign customer (Syria) received the Pantsir-S1 anti-aircraft systems, the Russian Air Force is getting some. The Russian Air Force recently received the S1E version, with an improved radar (36 kilometer range) and missile (more reliable). Curiously, the air force is using their first ten Pantsir-S1s to guard S-300 anti-aircraft missile bases located around Moscow. There was no explanation from the Russians as to why they felt a mobile, low level anti-aircraft system was needed to guard a larger, high altitude one. Perhaps additional protection against cruise missiles. The Russians aren't saying. These ten vehicles were...

The Russian air force took delivery of the first Pantsyr-S short-range air-defense systems in March. The Pantsyrs will gradually replace the old Tunguska antiaircraft weapons. The first 10 systems were released from KBP Instrument Design Bureau’s assembly site in Tula and transported to Alabino, near Moscow, and will be part of the Victory Day parade in Red Square on May 9. What’s unusual is that the first Pantsyr systems are being deployed to protect high-end surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) against aircraft, missiles and bombs. The Pantsyr battery will be deployed to the 606th air-defense regiment in Elektrostal, near Moscow, says Lt....

Russian industry sources said the Pantsyr-S1E air defense system project has fallen way behind schedule for Arab clients. The sources said manufacturer Instrument Design Bureau, or KBP, has failed to maintain the pace set for production and trials. "This could affect future deals," an industry source said. At least five Middle East states have ordered the 96K6 Pantsyr short-range system. They were identified as Algeria, Iran, Jordan, Syria and the United Arab Emirates. Several other countries, including Saudi Arabia, were said to be considering Pantsyr for point defense. The biggest delay has been reported in the UAE, which ordered 50...

The Russian Air Force has received the first batch of ten Pantsir-S1 anti-aircraft missile and gun systems, the Defence Ministry has said. The missile systems, designed to protect civilian and military targets from aerial attacks, were delivered to the Air Force by the KBP Instrument Design Bureau during a ceremony held in the city of Tula on March 18, 2010, RIA Novosti reported. The addition of the new weapon system will increase the Russian Air Force's effectiveness and sustainability in air defence, Defence Ministry spokesperson Lt. Col. Vladimir Drik told the news agency. The Pantsir-S1 (NATO name SA-22 Greyhound) is...