By Daniel Robinson*
The Russian Pantsir S-1, once touted as a formidable anti-aircraft missile and artillery system, has seen significant losses in recent conflicts. The mass destruction of these systems, particularly by Turkish drones in Syria and Libya, has raised questions about their effectiveness and highlighted vulnerabilities that were previously unacknowledged.
Official Explanations
Russian officials have admitted to the destruction of Pantsir S-1 systems, attributing the losses to several factors. According to the newspaper of the Russian Defense Minister, Krasnaya Zvezda (Red Star), one key issue is the existence of a “dead crater” or “dead zone.” This refers to the system’s limitations in detecting targets at certain altitudes and speeds. Specifically, the Pantsir struggles with targets flying at minimum altitudes and maximum speeds or those at the highest altitudes and maximum speeds.
Despite these limitations, Krasnaya Zvezda asserts that the Pantsir S-1 should be capable of countering Turkish Bayraktar TB2 drones. However, the export version of the system, which relies solely on an optical control system, is reportedly less effective against such advanced UAVs.
Destruction in Syria and Libya
The Ukrainian publication Defense Express reported that at least 23 Russian-made Pantsir-S1 systems were destroyed in Syria and Libya. These losses are attributed to the tactical use of Turkish drones, which exploited the Pantsir’s vulnerabilities. The Bayraktar TB2 drones, equipped with precision-guided munitions, were particularly effective.
The Ukrainian Front
In the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the Pantsir S-1 has continued to suffer significant losses. Ukrainian forces have captured several 96K6 models (another designation for Pantsir S-1), which they have used to develop and test electronic support measures (ESM) and electronic attack systems against Pantsir radars.
One notable tactic employed by the Turkish Armed Forces and adopted by Ukrainian forces involves the use of Aselsan’s Koral electronic warfare system. Koral is capable of detecting, locating, identifying, and jamming radio frequency signals across a broad waveband. By jamming the Pantsir’s radars, these systems effectively blinded the air defense units, allowing UAVs like the Bayraktar TB2 to attack without being detected.
Adaptations and Countermeasures
Russian engineers have attempted to adapt the Pantsir’s radar waveforms to counteract the jamming. However, these adaptations have often been unsuccessful. The rapid collection of electronic intelligence (ELINT) and the development of new jamming waveforms have outpaced Russian countermeasures. Some UAVs have also been outfitted with ESMs to locate Pantsir systems, followed by jamming and kinetic attacks.
In response, Russian air defenders have deployed 1L122 Garmon L-band ground-based air surveillance radars to provide early warning of incoming UAVs. However, these radars are also susceptible to detection and jamming, and their presence can indicate the proximity of a Pantsir system, making it a lucrative target.
Current Status and Losses
The Pantsir S-1, which entered Russian military service in 2012, once had a fearsome reputation. However, conflicts in Syria, Libya, and Ukraine have exposed its vulnerabilities. The open-source website Oryxspioenkop, which tracks equipment losses in the Ukraine war, reports that Russia may have lost up to 19 Pantsir S-1 systems as of September 2023. Electronic warfare has played a significant role in these losses.
Conclusion
The Pantsir S-1’s reputation has been severely undermined by its performance in recent conflicts. The combination of advanced UAV tactics, effective electronic warfare, and inherent system vulnerabilities has led to the significant destruction of these air defense units. As warfare continues to evolve, the ability to adapt and counter new threats becomes increasingly critical for military technology.