IDEX 2019: Pantsir-ME naval AAGM system makes international debut

Russia publicly displayed the full configuration of it new Pantsir-ME naval anti-aircraft gun-missile (AAGM) system for the first time at the IDEX 2019 International Defence Show and Conference being held in Abu Dhabi, UAE, from 17 to 21 February.

The Pantsir-ME system comprises a command post, single-station combat modules, and a reloading system that is designed to provide protection against fixed- and rotary-wing combat aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, and high-precision weapons, including anti-ship and cruise missiles.

A combat module receives targeting information from the command post, tracks targets via radar and optical-electronic channels, and automatically engages targets.

The Pantsir-ME is equipped with two AO-18KD 30 mm six-barrel automatic cannons with an ammunition load of 500 armour-piercing reduced-calibre (APRC) or high-explosive fragmentation (HE-frag) rounds each and eight ready-to-use 57Eh6-E1 bi-calibre two-stage surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) with solid-fuel boosters and rod HE-frag warheads. The under-deck reloading system’s storage capacity reaches 32 missiles.

Russia publicly showcased an all-up system demonstrator of its new Pantsir-ME naval air defence system for the first time at the 2019 International Defence Exhibition and Conference in Abu Dhabi. (Dmitry Fediushko)

A single Pantsir-ME system can simultaneously engage up to four aerial targets flying at speeds of up to 1,000 m/s at a slant range of up to 20 km with its missiles and at a slant range of up to 4 km by automatic cannons. The Pantsir-ME automatically estimates the level of a threat and designates targets in accordance with this estimation.

“If necessary, the Pantsir-ME can hit both surface and offshore ground targets,” a source from Rostec’s High-Precision Systems, the manufacturer of the AAGM, told Jane’s .