Russia’s Pantsyr-S1 air defense systems upgraded to intercept US HIMARS rockets

Pantsyr-S1 surface-to-air missile/artillery systems have undergone upgrade and received new software to intercept rockets of US HIMARS multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) most effectively, Pantsyr-S1 rocket launcher commander with the call sign Baron from Russia’s Western Military District said on Wednesday.

"We fulfill the objectives of shielding military facilities, and also civilian infrastructure. The vehicle’s specific feature is its 360-degree view capability to engage many types of aerial targets: aircraft, helicopters, MLRS, and also drones," the commander said in a video released by Russia’s Defense Ministry.

"This vehicle can operate during a march and on the move. We shot down various types of targets: both Bayraktar drones and Tochka-U [ballistic missiles]. A HIMARS is an altitude target and has its ballistics. Due to its high speed, it is necessary to react quickly to make a decision. These [Pantsyr] vehicles have been upgraded to engage this target," he explained.

As the Russian Defense Ministry specified, the surface-to-air missile system’s detection capabilities enable operators to spot both large moving objects in the sky, such as cruise and ballistic missiles, helicopters, aircraft or Soviet and Western MLRS projectiles, and quite small targets, for example, 30x30 cm drones, which the enemy often employs for reconnoitering terrain and carrying out kamikaze missions.

The Pantsyr is also outfitted with a thermal imager and, therefore, anti-aircraft gunners can also detect if explosives with striking elements are attached to the plastic casing of these flying craft.

The Pantsyr is capable of spotting and tracking tens of targets. It is armed with 12 surface-to-air missiles and two coaxial anti-aircraft guns with a maximum fire rate of 5,000 rounds per minute.