Russian forces have started operating a new version of the Pantsir self-propelled air defense system, the Pantsir-SM-SV.

Russian propaganda Telegram channel Voevoda Veschaet published the photo of the system.

It is likely that the system has not yet been deployed in serial production and that the unit shown is undergoing trial operation.

The image shows the combat vehicle positioned in open terrain, protected only by gabions.

The absence of anti-drone or camouflage netting, as well as additional protective structures, suggests it was either at a training ground or in a rear-area location when the photo was taken.

The image was likely shot in winter or early March.

This may be one of the first publicly available images of the system that was not taken at an exhibition or during a public demonstration.

Reports from winter 2024 indicated that testing had been completed, and in summer 2024, there were claims that the system had been tested in combat conditions, though these reports remain unconfirmed.

Pantsir-SM-SV

The Pantsir-SM-SV is a tracked version of the Pantsir system, designed for battlefield air defense.

The Russian KBP Instrument Making Design Bureau, part of the High-Precision Systems holding under the state-owned Rostec corporation, works on its development.

The system is being created to cover troops in any condition, including off-road.

It is mounted on a GM-5970 tracked chassis, also used in Tor, Buk, and Tunguska air defense systems.

This enhances mobility in off-road conditions, allowing the system to escort and protect advancing troops and other air defense units. It also improves logistical unification with other Russian air defense systems.

The Pantsir-SM-SV features a new active phased-array radar capable of detecting targets up to 80 kilometers away.

Developers claim a single combat vehicle can engage up to 16 targets per minute, with a maximum engagement range of 40 kilometers.

The specific types of missiles used in the system remain undisclosed.