English Section

Moscow bolsters anti-air defenses in response to mounting drone threat, British intel reports

12.09.2023 15:05
Russia has fortified its anti-air defense systems in the vicinity of its capital, Moscow, in response to escalating drone threats, according to recent disclosures by the British Defense Ministry.
A Russian S1 Pantsir air defense system.
A Russian S1 Pantsir air defense system.Photo: EPA/MAXIM SHIPENKOV

The measure includes the deployment of the S1 Pantsir anti-air systems, known as SA-22 Greyhound in NATO nomenclature, on elevated platforms to counter daily drone incursions. Photographic evidence captured in early September 2023 showcases the presence of SA-22 units positioned on towers and ramps throughout Moscow.

British Defense Ministry officials revealed in a tweet on Tuesday that Moscow has reconfigured its short and medium-range air defenses in recent weeks to fortify safeguards against the rising frequency of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) attacks. Notably, since the onset of September, the SA-22 systems have been strategically positioned on elevated terrains to enhance their operational efficiency in combating UAV threats.

The move comes in the aftermath of drone strikes on the Engels and Ryazan air bases in December 2022, prompting Moscow to strategically emplace SA-22 systems atop critical government structures. This strategic placement is expected to augment the system's capacity to detect and neutralize UAVs.

(jh)

Source: Euromaidan Press