Russia uses “Iraqi” Pantsir-S1 anti-aircraft systems
22 April, 2024 Russian Pantsir-S1 anti-aircraft missile and gun system in Ukraine, April 2024. Photo credits: Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation Russian troops use in Ukraine custom-made Iraqi Pantsir-S1E anti-aircraft missiles and gun systems.
A video with cars in desert camouflage was released by the press service of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation. The TV report showcased the Pantsir-S1 anti-aircraft system, camouflaged and used by the Iraqi armed forces, highlighting its involvement in the conflict alongside Russian anti-aircraft crews against Ukraine. In 2012, the Iraqi government signed a contract with Russia for the supply of 24 SAMs, with the possibility of resetting another 24 systems later.
It is known that in 2016, more than 20 systems were handed over to the customer, and in 2018, the country received a new batch, probably within the frame of additional orders.
Pantsir-S1E anti-aircraft system in service with the Iraqi Armed Forces, 2018
The presence of a vehicle from the "Iraqi contract" within the Russian Armed Forces remains uncertain. It is highly probable that it may have remained in the possession of the manufacturer due to the premature termination of the contract and was subsequently transferred to the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation. Back in 2012, a large arms contract worth £4.2 billion between Iraq and the Russian Federation was in danger of disruption due to a corruption scandal related to Iraqi officials.
As part of the order, Iraq received a Pantsir-S1E, export version of the system. In terms of technical characteristics, it does not differ from the original system, but it may have minor differences. In addition, their design does not have an IFF radar recognition system, and alternative elements of Western-made electronics can be used.
Pantsir-S1
Pantsir-S1 is a Russian ground-based self-propelled anti-aircraft missile and gun system (SAM), developed in 1994 and adopted by the Russian army in 2012.
The main armament of the system is two twin 2A38M 30mm guns and two launchers for 12 radio-command anti-aircraft missiles. The system is capable of intercepting both aerodynamic and ballistic targets. The peculiarity of the system is the combination of a multi-channel targeting system with missiles and artillery weapons.
This creates a continuous target interception zone from 0 meters to 15 km in altitude and from 200 meters to 20 km in range.
Pantsir-S1.
Photo from open sources
A 3-D radar station with a phased antenna array is integrated into the SAM, due to which the system is able to operate independently of other anti-aircraft systems.