Russia Develops Mini-Missiles to Counter Drones

Tests of anti-drone mini-missiles are nearing completion in Russia, with plans for them to be integrated into anti-aircraft missile systems.

According to sources from the Russian RIA Novosti, the primary target for these missiles is anticipated to be the Pantsir-S1 air defense system.

“Enterprises of the defense industry, in cooperation with the military, are completing tests of anti-drone mini-missiles,” the Russian media said.

It is expected that they will soon be integrated into anti-aircraft missile systems used against Ukraine.

The focus of these missiles is primarily on countering small drones actively utilized along the contact line.

“Mini-missiles will be used as part of the upgraded Pantsir-SM anti-aircraft missile systems,” the source says.

The new missiles have a standard layout for the Pantsir system – a solid rocket booster plus a main propulsion stage, but with significantly reduced dimensions both in diameter and in length.

It is stated that, as a result, one Pantsir-SM SAM can be equipped with 48 anti-drone missiles instead of 12 standard missiles.

The new missiles being developed are notably more cost-effective compared to standard ones. This enhancement is expected to significantly improve the economic efficiency of the Pantsir-S1 air defense system, as it eliminates the need to employ ammunition for drone interception that costs at least tens of times more than the actual target.

Previously, the Rostec Corporation stated that new missiles being developed, in addition to drones, would allegedly be able to hit MLRS shells, anti-radar missiles, ATGM missiles and various air attack devices.

It is worth noting that in Russia, anti-drone mini-missiles were shown back in 2017 at the Army-2017 exhibition.

In that year, they also demonstrated the Pantsir-SM air defense system, which was developed on the К-53958 Tornado chassis from the Remdizel company.