IDEX 2025: Static Pantsir air-defence system makes its international debut

By removing the standard truck chassis, the 8×8 KamAZ-6560, production costs can be reduced significantly. (Janes/Christopher Petrov)

The Pantsir-SMD-E air-defence system made its international debut at the International Defence Exhibition & Conference (IDEX) 2025, held in Abu Dhabi from 17 to 21 February.

The system had previously appeared at the domestic Russian exhibition, Armiya-2024. The Pantsir-SMD-E also comes with a new munition designed for counter-unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) usage – the TKB-1055.

The Pantsir-SMD-E is made up of several systems that work together for short-range air-defence coverage. The system is split between the static ‘combat module', where the munitions are mounted, and the static RLS-0-E surveillance radar that can work with up to four of the combat modules, with the RLS-0-E providing target detection and aerial surveillance. Unlike conventional Pantsirs, the combat module is missile-only – the twin 30 mm cannons have been removed. The combat modules also have their own independent electrical generators through an auxiliary power unit. The fire-control radar (FCR) on the combat module can track up to four targets at a time, while a maximum of four missiles can be launched per module during an engagement. All modules require one operator that can be located up to 500 m away from the module and has a briefcase-shaped transportable interface to interact with the module. The modules are connected to one another using fibre-optic cables.