Russian Pantsir SME E Air Defence System.
Russia’s Pantsir-SMD-E Air Defence System: Dubai | November 14, 2025 Russia’s state-owned defence conglomerate Rostec State Corporation is set to unveil an extensive lineup of next-generation air defense technologies at the Dubai Airshow 2025, one of the world’s premier aerospace exhibitions. Scheduled to take place from November 17 to 21, the event will feature a dedicated Russian display area spanning more than 1,000 square meters, coordinated by JSC Rosoboronexport, and will include advanced systems from leading Rostec subsidiaries such as the United Aircraft Corporation, Russian Helicopters, United Engine Corporation, High-Precision Weapons, and KRET.
Pantsir-SMD-E: New Modular Air Defense System Makes Its Middle East Debut
The centerpiece of Rostec’s this year offering will be the Pantsir-SMD-E, a newly developed surface-to-air missile system engineered specifically to counter the rising threat of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Developed by High-Precision Weapons, the system is optimized for protecting critical industrial, administrative, and infrastructure installations.
The Pantsir-SMD-E features a modular architecture, allowing deployment on building rooftops or prepared ground sites, offering unprecedented flexibility for urban and remote installations.
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Its ammunition load is highly customizable, supporting:
1. Up to 48 miniature short-range guided surface-to-air missiles, ideal for repelling massed UAV swarms;
2. or 12 standard missiles, allowing operators to tailor air defense responses to evolving threats.
Bekhan Ozdoev, Industrial Director of the Weapons Cluster at Rostec, noted that the system’s debut has already generated strong international interest. “The threat of large-scale UAV attacks is now recognized worldwide, and the new modular Pantsir system provides a flexible solution,” Ozdoev said. “Its ability to carry up to 48 miniature missiles makes it extremely effective for protecting industrial, social, transport, and other critical infrastructure. We expect considerable interest at Dubai Airshow 2025.”
The system previously drew attention at the IDEX 2025 exhibition in Abu Dhabi, and Rostec expects the Dubai showcase to further elevate its global profile.
Compact Short-Range Radar Unveiled for the First Time in the Middle East
For the first time in the region, Rostec will introduce a 45 kg short-range airspace surveillance radar designed for detecting UAVs and small aircraft. The radar can be transported on mobile vehicles or manually relocated as needed, offering high mobility for tactical units.
Key capabilities include:
1. Detection of medium-sized UAVs at 7.5 km or more
2. Deployment flexibility for field, urban, and infrastructure protection missions
3. The compact radar is expected to appeal to a growing global market seeking lightweight, rapidly deployable counter-UAV solutions.
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Expanded Portfolio: Airspace Control Systems and Man-Portable Air Defense
Rostec’s exhibit will also include:
Airspace Control System:
A comprehensive monitoring solution capable of detecting and tracking various flying targets — including low-altitude and low-speed UAVs as well as cruise missiles. The system enhances early warning and engagement capabilities for integrated air defense networks.
Verba MANPADS:
The Verba short-range man-portable air-defense system will be showcased, designed to neutralize: Airplanes, Helicopters, UAVs, and Cruise missiles.
The system remains effective even in conditions involving heavy optical jamming.
To enhance usability, crews can deploy the Dzhigit launching unit, a fire-and-forget system that fires two Verba or Igla missiles.
The launcher can be used as a stationary system, mounted on a vehicle, or disassembled and carried manually.
The Dzhigit can be set up in three minutes, significantly improving response times in dynamic combat situations.
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A Strategic Showcase at a Critical Time for Global Air Defence
With UAVs transforming both reconnaissance and attack strategies worldwide, air defense systems capable of countering drone swarms and low-visibility threats have become a top priority for many nations. Rostec’s focus on modularity, mobility, and counter-UAV capabilities reflects this shift.
The Dubai Airshow 2025 is expected to attract delegations from across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Asia — many of whom are actively seeking modernized air defense layers that integrate missile systems, radars, and portable platforms.
As global airspace security challenges continue to evolve, Russia’s new suite of systems — from the Pantsir-SMD-E to compact surveillance radars — is positioned to draw significant attention from governments seeking cost-effective yet technologically advanced defense solutions.
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Visitors to the Russian pavilion will be able to examine:
1. The Pantsir-SMD-E air defense system
2. The compact short-range airspace surveillance radar
3. The airspace control system
4. The Verba MANPADS with Dzhigit launcher and a wide array of additional aerospace and defense technologies
The Dubai Airshow 2025 promises to be a major international platform where Rostec aims to strengthen military-industrial partnerships and expand its footprint in global defense markets.
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