Pantsir-S1 (image: Sputnik)

Russia has unveiled the upgraded export version of the Pantsir missile defense system, “Pantsir-S1M,” capable of launching missiles to neutralize a greater range of drone targets. The Pantsir has been refurbished after the experience gained through its usage in Syria.

“Range of hittable targets has been greatly expanded on the basis of the results we obtained in Syria. The upgraded Pantsir can now destroy all types of drones effectively,” Sergei Mikhailov, High Precision Systems holding company’s deputy CEO for foreign economic activity, told TASS on Thursday.

"With the introduction of the new missile the system’s range has been increased to 30 kilometers. We will now have two types of missiles - near and longer range ones," he said.

"It is being tested at a proving ground in Russia. Most of the preliminary trials have been carried out already," he added.

“Russian-made Pantsir-S1 air defense system deployed by the Syrian forces showed almost 100% effectiveness in repelling the Western missile strike,” Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov was quoted as saying by Sputnik last April.

The basic version of the Pantsir air-defense missile and artillery system (Pantsir-S1) has been deployed at Hmeimim air base, which is Russia’s airbase in Syria. The country is developing another version, the Pantsir-SM, specifically for its armed forces. Russia also unveiled Pantsir-ME, a shipborne air-defense missile and artillery system in February, for the first time, during the IDEX 2019 exhibition.