The defenders of Ukraine shared a video of the destruction of a Russian air defence system Pantsir S-1. It is a very important target for Ukrainians to destroy, because these systems can intercept Ukrainian cruise missiles, helicopters, planes and drones. Furthermore, losing a Pantsir air-defence missile system is quite expensive for Russia, but how much is it really worth?
Pantsir S-1 launcher in a parade in Moscow. Image credit: Dmitriy Fomin via Wikimedia (CC BY 2.0)
Russia lost yet another Pantsir-S1 self-propelled anti-aircraft missile system in Kherson region, Kachovka district. It was destroyed by a highly accurate missile strike.
The attack was filmed by a Ukrainian drone:
The Russian air defence system suddenly was engulfed in flames and exploded into a million pieces. All that remained of it was a burnt spot on the ground. The crew is believed to have been on site and obviously did not have a chance to survive.
Just moments before its destruction this particular launcher was seen firing a missile, which is why we can accurately guess that the crew was there. The Pantsir-S1 is normally operated by a crew of three people, which must be well trained and therefore are a valuable target.
Just like the Pantsir-S1 launcher itself. Although the Pantsir missile system was designed in 1990, it entered service in 2008. In the military world, it is still a relatively new weapon. The initial prototypes were marked as Pantsir-S, while the serviceable versions are Pantsir-S1 and S-2.
Russia exported the Pantsir air defence system in huge numbers – they are used by Serbia, Libya, Iran, Iraq, Algeria, UAE and a number of other countries. Ukraine was never an official operator of the Pantsir-S1, although they claimed to have captured 3 Pantsir systems during the current war.
Armed Ukrainian civilians around a captured Pantsir S-1 launcher at the beginning of the war. Image credit: Mvs.gov.ua via Wikimedia (CC BY 4.0)
It is unknown how many Pantsir launchers Russia has, but definitely over 100.
The Pantsir-S1 is a short-medium range system, which can engage multiple targets at the same time. It is mounted on a 8×8 truck chassis and is highly mobile. It is sometimes used to protect ships, islands and buildings.
In fact, several of these systems were seen deployed on top of governmental buildings in Moscow when Russia started fearing Ukrainian drone attacks. This is a strong mark of trust for these air defence systems.
The defenders of Ukraine destroyed several Pantsir S-1 launchers, which is great. But how much of a loss in monetary terms is it? Dialog.ua reported that the cost of this weapon is 15 million dollars. Other estimates are 13-15 million in the export markets.
Written by Povilas M.