Russia’s Pantsir air defense systems, which Moscow has promoted as one of its main shields against air attacks, have come under fire following the recent massive drone attack on the Russian capital.
According to footage published by the NEXTA platform, during the largest drone attack on Moscow in recent years, Pantsir systems failed to effectively neutralize all targets that approached the city.
Several videos shared on social media claim that a Pantsir system missed the same drone twice in a row, while the unmanned vehicle continued to fly. Other footage shows air defense missiles passing through the skies over Moscow and the Sadovod market area, without hitting their targets.
Reports also claim that after attempts to shoot down the drones, debris and parts of the aircraft fell into civilian areas.
In one of the latest footages, it appears as if an air defense missile hits a drone, but according to analysis of the video, this too did not result in its immediate downing.
The Pantsir is a Russian short- and medium-range air defense system designed to protect strategic targets from aircraft, missiles, and drones. Russia has presented it as one of the most advanced systems of its kind.
However, recent drone attacks on Russian territory have raised questions about the real ability of these systems to withstand multiple and coordinated attacks.
On the other hand, Russian authorities have repeatedly stated that air defense has managed to neutralize most threats and that its systems continue to function effectively. /Telegraph