The serial production of Pantsir-SM air defense system, produced by KBP Instrument Design Bureau, may start in 2018, according to Vladimir Popov, head of the company “Shcheglovsky Val (manufacturer complexes).

“I think that in two years we will reach the stage of production of the first batch of this vehicle. Stage engineering design completed. In this year or early next year we will begin prototyping “- he said.

The Pantsir-SM is an improved version of Russian Pantsir-S1 short to medium range surface-to-air missile and anti-aircraft artillery weapon system. The new Pantsir-SM air defense system is mounted on new special chassis developed by KamAZ.

The new Pantsir will be able to identify targets at a distance of 75 kilometers (in contrast to the current model’s 40-kilometer capability.  The Pantsir-SM is to enter service in 2018–2019.