The construction and delivery of surface-to-air missile and anti-aircraft artillery weapon system (ZRPK) Pantsir-S1 is continuing. To date, the armed forces have received dozens of such complexes; in addition, a number of new air defense systems will be delivered in the near future. At the same time, the Tula Instrument Design Bureau (KBP), which created ZRPK Pantsir-S1, is working on the project of modernization of the complex. Not so long ago, some news on the new project Pantsir-SM were published. It is this system in the future to complement the existing facilities in the army and in the future may have to replace them.

In mid-December last year, representatives of the Ministry of Defence told about the current plans for a new air defense system. According to current plans, the new ZRPK Pantsir-SM will begin to enter the army next year. As follows from the December military declarations, the prototype of a new anti-aircraft complex is ready and was shown to representatives of the Defense Ministry. Therefore, in mid-December on the basis of the Tula KBP the trainings took place, which was attended by more than 90 Air Force officers and representatives of the defense industry and the Ministry of Defence. According to press reports, the participants for the first time saw a modernized air defense system.

January 20, Russian President Vladimir Putin, accompanied by defense representatives visited Tula Instrument Design Bureau and “Scheglovski val” plant where ZRPK Pantsir-S1 is constructed. Delegation observed various developments in the field of armaments and military equipment in the form of ready-made models as well as promotional materials. The animation clip demonstrating some anti-aircraft system attracted the greatest interest. A number of features shown in the video art make us to suggest that the president and the leadership of the Ministry of Defence saw the promising system Pantsir-SM.

Currently fighting machine Pantsir-S1 can simultaneously fire up to 4 targets. In a modified version, this figure could double. At the same time, both machines as part of an anti-aircraft complex will direct the missiles autonomously.

Earlier there were reported on the extensive modernization of Pantsir-S1 missile, which will significantly improve its performance. As a result of this modernization the maximum range of hitting the target could reach 40 kilometers. Besides the obvious tactical consequences, it can lead to a change in class. Currently, Pantsir-S1 refers to anti-aircraft short-range system, and increase of the missiles range will transfer it into a class of short-range air defense system.

In the near future, the first demonstration of a new anti-aircraft complex Pantsir-SM will be held. It will allow to check the assumptions and to learn the basic features of the new system. In addition, the demonstration of the complex will answer a number of important issues related to the new development. These are the exact characteristics of the renewed missile, the presence of guns, the composition of electronic equipment, etc. The exact date of the first demonstration of Pantsir-SM has not yet made in public.