S-400 and Pantsyr-S1 systems become Russia’s most popular military exports

Europe, News November 4, 2021 , by IRIA No Comments

The S-400 surface-to-air missile system, Pantsyr-S1 medium-range surface-to-air missile and anti-aircraft artillery systems, and Russian aircraft were the most popular weapon systems among foreign customers in 2021.

Director of Russia’s Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation Dmitry Shugayev said in an interview with the RBC media group that S-400 air defense systems and Pantsyr-S anti-aircraft missile/gun launchers were Russia’s most popular military products among foreign customers in 2021.

During the interview, Dmitry Shugayev stated that Russia’s mobile, surface-to-air missile system “S-400” and anti-aircraft missile/gun launchers “Pantsyr-S” have proved to be effective weapons for destroying its targets, particularly, drones.

“Our S-400 air defense systems. Pantsyr-S anti-aircraft missile/gun launchers that proved their efficiency, in particular, in destroying drones. The entire range of our aircraft that account for at least 50% of our sales. Kornet anti-tank missile systems, Smerch multiple launch rocket systems and other guided weapons that we make also continue to enjoy great demand,” Director of Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation Shugayev said in response to a question about the most popular military products in 2021.

Russian defense official added, “Now we see that an era of drones and robots has come. The more frequently drones and robotic vehicles are used – and unmanned aerial vehicles are employed everywhere today – the greater the need for weapons of their destruction and electronic warfare systems.”

Shugayev also pointed out that increasing demand for “Russian air defense and electronic warfare systems suggests that the methods of warfare have changed,” Russian news agency Tass reported.

*^{Russian anti-aircraft artillery systems Pantsir-S1. (Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons/Jovo Mamula)}*

The S-400 is among the most advanced air defense systems in the world, equipped with radars and sensors of 600km range, and 400km range missiles.

At present, besides Russian armed forces, the S-400 Air Defense Missiles are being used by China’s People’s Liberation Army and Turkish Air Force. Belarus, Saudi Arabia, India, Algeria, and Morocco are expected to be future operators of the Russian system, while Iran, Egypt, Iraq, and Qatar have shown interest in buying the S-400 missile system.

Russia’s Pantsir-S1 anti-aircraft missile/gun system has been used in conflict zones in Libya, Syria, and Ukraine. The system has been an effective weapon against fixed- and rotary-winged aircraft, cruise missiles, and precision munitions.