Russian forces install Pantsir-S1 air defense system on Crimean Bridge: Footage
Photo: Crimean Bridge (Getty Images)
The Russian military has decided to once again strengthen the defense of the Crimean Bridge and installed Pantsir-S1 air defense systems there, according to the Telegram channel Krymskiy Veter (Crimean Wind).
Probably fearing Ukrainian strikes on the bridge, the Russian forces have deployed a self-propelled Pantsir-S1 air defense missile system there. It has been visible in satellite images for about a month.
According to the monitoring channel, they have also managed to obtain actual photos of the air defense system near the bridge.
Photo: Crimean Bridge (t.me/Crimeanwind)\
Pantsir-S1 is a Russian self-propelled air defense missile-gun system designed to protect critical assets and military formations from various types of aerial threats at short and medium ranges.
Key characteristics:
- Guns: Two 30-mm automatic cannons (2A38M) capable of firing at high speed (up to 5,000 rounds per minute) and effectively engaging targets at ranges up to 4 km.
- Missiles: 12 surface-to-air guided missiles 57E6E with a range of up to 20 km and an altitude range from 5 meters to 15 km.
- Radar system: Equipped with a radar system with a phased array antenna capable of detecting targets and tracking up to 20 aerial objects simultaneously.
- Detection range: Up to 36 km for aerial targets.
- Targeting: Combines radar and electro-optical systems to visually track targets and guide weapons under all weather conditions.
- Fire capability: Can engage multiple targets simultaneously.
- Platform: Mounted on wheeled or tracked chassis (KamAZ or Ural).
Situation around the Crimean Bridge
The Ukrainian Armed Forces have carried out several strikes on the bridge using various types of weapons, including naval drones and missiles, causing significant damage. As a result of these attacks, parts of the bridge were damaged, temporarily complicating its use for transporting cargo and military equipment. Russia has been forced to conduct repair work and restrict movement.
These strikes aimed not only to damage a strategic asset but also to achieve a psychological effect—eroding confidence in Russia's ability to protect critical infrastructure and occupied territories.
Previously, the Institute for the Study of War noted that if Ukrainian strikes were to destroy the Crimean Bridge, Russia's ability to sustain the occupation of the peninsula would decrease.
On June 8, British intelligence reported that the Russians were redeploying their barges to protect the Crimean Bridge.
