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Analysis: Russian Ground Forces build up air defense Part 3

The Russian Defense Ministry is planning to replace Igla MANPADS by modern SA-25 Verba equipped with multispectral homing warheads enabling to see the target in infrared and ultraviolet bands. The power of the missile has increased.
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Tor-M2 missile air defense system (Picture source: Army Recognition)

9K333 SA-25 Verba air defense missile’s new optical homing warhead expanded the firing range at targets with a low thermal emission and increased protection against pyrotechnical disturbances. As a result, the number of missiles per target has decreased and the effectiveness increased 1.5-2 times compared to Igla MANPADS. Each Verba battery has got a radar, and automatic controls were designed for it in 2019. The operator receives target information long before he can see it.

The absence of transport has long been a problem for manpad batteries. A battery rarely operates as a single unit. The personnel are distributed among regiments and brigades. However, there was often no place for the men in APC, IFV and tanks. Trials of new vehicles for manpad batteries began in 2017. They can engage in air target reconnaissance and fire homing missiles stationary and in motion.

The first combat vehicle for manpad units was presented in 2019 at the Clear Sky contest. It is mounted on K-4386 Typhoon chassis. Communication means and manpad storage places are inside. PKT or Kord machineguns can repel a ground attack. There are inside places for missile fire. Manpad units can now effectively operate in general formations on the battlefield and drive cross-country.

Antiaircraft regiments are replacing Osa by Tor. The Ground Forces operate several Tor options — Tor-M1, Tor-M2 and Tor-M2U. In 2012, tactical air defense units began to receive short-range Tor-M2U. They have a modern element base, four target channels, jam-resistance, and expanded interfacing capability with other weapons by digital channels.

The supplies of the latest Tor-M2 modification began in 2016. High maneuvering and firing characteristics allow using it as mobile reconnaissance-fire weapon.

Viktor Yeletsky, CEO of Vympel designer of 9M338 missile for Tor-M2, said the software of the weapon fully meets modern combat requirements. It can simultaneously fire at four targets, while the previous Tor could attack only one target. Yeletsky said it is the only complex in the world which can fire in motion. “Previously, an air defense battalion or regiment had to make a stopover for fire and proceed. Now we can engage in combat missions in motion. Tor operates by one missile — one target principle,” he said.

It can be concluded that the Ground Forces plan to deploy combined antiaircraft regiments and battalions in brigades, the Independent Military Review said.