The Russian government is considering options to cover its strategic energy facilities with Pantsir-S1 anti-aircraft systems.

This was stated by Artem Verkhov, Director of the Gas Industry Development Department of the Ministry of Energy of the Russian Federation.

A Russian government official announced work on projects to protect oil and gas facilities from Ukrainian drone attacks.

“We are working together, including with colleagues from the National Guard of Russia, to cover facilities, to install protection systems of the Pantsir-type, respectively,” stated Artem Verhov, Director of the Gas Industry Development Department of the Ministry of Energy of the Russian Federation.

It should be noted that, despite the official statements of the Russian authorities, the most powerful air defense weapon that is currently in service with the National Guard of Russia is the ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft gun. The Pantsir system was in service only with the armed forces of the Russian Federation.

However, it is known that in the middle of last year, talks intensified about transferring tanks and other heavy weaponry to the balance of the Russian National Guard after the mutiny of the PMC Wagner mercenaries.

Pantsir on the defense of the capital

Russian anti-aircraft systems have already been seen as part of the layered air defense around the Russian capital. Such air defense has been built since the beginning of last year to protect against Ukrainian drones.

Modular SAMs were seen both on the roofs of buildings in the middle of Moscow near important administrative buildings, in particular around the Kremlin, and within the city installed on special towers.

According to its characteristics, the Pantsir-S1 air defense system is best suited for countering drone attacks compared to the other Russian anti-aircraft systems. It’s capable of autonomous operation, relying only on the data of its own radar, as well as relatively cheap means of interception – two 30mm guns and radio-command anti-aircraft missiles.

In addition, Pantsir is a multi-channel anti-aircraft system capable of simultaneously intercepting several targets, which is important in massive drone attacks.

However, Russia has a limited number of such systems, all of which are somehow used in the war against Ukraine or are protecting other facilities. Therefore, to protect the Russian refineries, these air defense systems will have to be removed from duty at other facilities, thereby weakening their defenses.

Recall that since January 2024, Ukraine has carried out several successful attacks on the Russian oil infrastructure, hitting ten large refineries, which led to their shutdown and a decrease in production volumes.