Russia is leveraging the 2025 Dubai Airshow as a platform to turn it into its own "home ground" for arms sales, centrally launching multiple pieces of equipment adapted for modern drone warfare. These include the latest "Pantsir"-SMD-E pure missile variant short-range air defense module, the X-UAV guided missile and its supporting radar, and portable air defense systems. This move aims to revitalize arms exports, targeting markets in the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia, offering cost-effective options for countries lacking the budget for expensive Western equipment.

"Pantsir"-SMD-E: The Modular Core of Counter-UAV Defense

  As an upgrade to the "Pantsir" series, the "Pantsir"-SMD-E was developed by the High-Precision Weapons company under Russia's Rostec state corporation. It is specifically designed to counter large-scale drone attacks, primarily protecting industrial, administrative, and critical infrastructure. Unlike previous versions that mixed guns and missiles, this system adopts a pure missile architecture. Its modular launcher can flexibly carry either 48 small short-range guided missiles (to counter drone swarms) or 12 full-size standard missiles (for conventional air defense tasks), adapting to different threat scenarios.

  Its fire control system integrates a surveillance radar, multifunctional radar, and electro-optical tracking system, capable of detecting, identifying, and engaging targets at short to medium ranges. It can also automatically assess firing effectiveness, reducing operator workload. The system requires no complex deployment and can be installed on building roofs or simple sites. It previously attracted attention at the IDEX exhibition in Abu Dhabi and is now being promoted to global buyers at its Dubai debut.

Compact Radars:weapon for Monitoring Low-Altitude and Urban Threats

  Two lightweight detection systems made their Middle East debut at the show: a 45-kg class short-range airspace surveillance radar, capable of detecting medium-sized drones at up to 7.5 km, suited for urban and tactical scenarios; and a 100-kg class Airspace Control System (SKVP), capable of detecting low-altitude, low-speed targets with speeds as low as 10 meters per second, deployable on uneven ground or building rooftops. Both systems feature strong resistance to passive interference and can operate reliably in all weather conditions, forming a distributed, layered detection network to counter the flexible threats posed by inexpensive drones.

"Verba" MANPADS: A Multi-Purpose Interception Weapon

  The "Verba" short-range portable air defense missile system (MANPADS) was simultaneously displayed. It can intercept aircraft, helicopters, drones, and cruise missiles, remaining effective even under strong optical countermeasures. Paired with the "ZhZHiet" launch unit, it can be deployed in just 3 minutes and can launch two "Verba" or "Igla" missiles. It supports three usage modes: stationary, vehicle-mounted, or manually transported.

  Its core advantages lie in its three-spectrum multi-band seeker and automated control system, enabling precise target identification and avoidance of decoys. It can also classify UAV clusters and assign engagement priorities. Its operational range covers altitudes from 10 meters to 3.5 km and distances up to 6 km. It can also engage light armored ground targets and small near-shore vessels, demonstrating multi-scenario adaptability.

X-UAV Guided Missile: Upgrading Drone Offensive Capability

  Russia also introduced the X-UAV lightweight precision-guided missile, specifically designed for long-endurance drones, completing the "integrated offensive and defensive" layout for UAV operations. This missile is compatible with drones flying at altitudes up to 4000 meters, has a maximum range of 8 km and a minimum launch distance of 2 km, allowing for precision strikes from stand-off ranges, reducing the exposure risk for the drone.

  It carries a 6-kg high-explosive fragmentation warhead effective against personnel, fortified positions, vehicles, and other tactical targets. Its compact size allows a drone to carry multiple missiles, enabling sustained strikes. Analysis suggests this missile will be compatible with mainstream Russian long-endurance UAVs like the "Orion-E" and "Sirius," though specific compatible models have not been disclosed.

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Post time:Sep-25-2020