Ukrainian partisans locate a rare Russian Tor-M2KM air defense system in Crimea.

On July 1, 2024, the Ukrainian Atesh partisan movement released a photograph showing a rare Russian Tor-M2KM air defense system near Sevastopol, in occupied Crimea. Atesh, named after the Crimean Tatar word for "Fire," is a military partisan group formed by Ukrainians and Crimean Tatars in response to the Russian military invasion of Ukraine in 2022. This movement operates in occupied territories of Ukraine and within Russia.
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The Tor-M2KM spotted by the Atesh partisan group near Sevastopol is a rare variant of the Tor-M2 air defense system, mounted on a wheeled chassis, specifically on a KamAZ 8x8 chassis. (Picture source: Telegram/Atesh)

Ukrainian attacks have recently targeted key Russian military installations in the Sevastopol region, including a significant strike on the Sevastopol Naval Base on July 2, 2024. This attack reportedly resulted in the deaths of several Russian Navy commanders and caused considerable damage. Additionally, Ukrainian forces have conducted precision strikes on the Belbek airfield near Sevastopol, leading to large fires and extensive damage, as confirmed by satellite imagery.

These operations are part of a broader Ukrainian strategy aimed at weakening Russian military infrastructure and disrupting supply lines, including the critical Kerch Bridge connecting Crimea to mainland Russia. Ukrainian drone strikes have been a recurring tactic, with recent attacks causing notable damage to the bridge and exacerbating regional tensions. In response to these threats, Russia has increased its air defense capabilities around Crimea. The deployment of advanced systems, such as the S-500 Prometheus and this Tor-M2KM air defense system near Sevastopol, is a measure to protect key military and logistical infrastructure from these continued Ukrainian strikes.

The Tor-M2KM spotted by the Atesh partisan group is a variant of the Tor-M2 air defense system, mounted on a wheeled chassis, specifically on a KamAZ 8x8 chassis. The anti-aircraft missile system 9M331MKM, known as the Tor-M2KM, is designed to defend critical military, state, and industrial facilities from high-precision weapons, including anti-radar and cruise missiles, guided bombs, assault aircraft, support helicopters, and drones. This defense system operates under complex weather and interference conditions, including urban areas.

Developed by the Almaz-Antey Air Defence Concern and the Izhevsk Electromechanical Plant "Dome," the Tor-M2KM air defense system was first exhibited on an Indian Tata Motors 8x8 chassis at the MAKS-2013 International Air Show and the DEFEXPO INDIA 2014. (Picture source: Russian social media)

The Tor-M2KM, a modular version of the Tor-M2E, can be mounted on any customer-supplied platform with adequate carrying capacity. Developed by the Almaz-Antey Air Defence Concern and the Izhevsk Electromechanical Plant "Dome," this system was first exhibited on an Indian Tata Motors chassis at the MAKS-2013 International Air Show and the DEFEXPO INDIA 2014. The autonomous combat module version was later showcased at the MAKS-2015 International Naval Show.

Efforts are ongoing to enhance the Tor-M2KM's capabilities, including adapting it for naval use in the M-Tor SAM system and developing an Arctic version for Russian Armed Forces units. The system's key components include an Autonomous Combat Module (ABM) 9A331MK-1 and an Anti-aircraft Missile Module (AMS) 9M334D, each housing four 9M331D missiles. The ABM, an independent combat unit, integrates target detection, tracking, missile guidance, control systems, and life support, all within a single housing.

Equipped with radars and computing systems, the ABM can detect and process up to 48 targets, displaying information on the ten most dangerous and engaging four simultaneously. Its equipment resists electronic countermeasures, and its electron-optical system allows for operation in high-interference environments. Multiple ABMs can share information and coordinate within a group under a single command post, covering an area of over 200 square kilometers.

The ABM, weighing under 15 tons, can be mounted on various platforms using quick-release brackets, allowing for rapid transfer between vehicles. It operates autonomously, powered by an onboard gas turbine unit and an electrostatic converter for additional power. The navigation system, compatible with GPS and GLONASS, ensures precise location tracking and orientation.

The ABM, weighing under 15 tons, can be mounted on various platforms using quick-release brackets, allowing it to be mounted on Russian ships, such as the Admiral Grigorovich frigate. (Picture source: Russian social media)

Transportable by heavy-lift helicopters like the Mi-26T, the ABM can be deployed in locations such as high ground or building rooftops. The combat crew consists of a commander and an operator. The system's missile modules are self-contained, enabling the transportation, storage, and launch of four missiles, with each ABM carrying two modules.

The Tor-M2KM's automated operation allows for target engagement, with a high probability of success due to missile guidance and fragmentation warheads designed to maximize damage. The system can handle multiple targets in succession, ensuring continuous defense as long as missiles are available.

Supporting technical elements include a transport and charging machine, maintenance workshops, a group kit, rigging equipment, and a technological frame. Additionally, the system can be equipped with an autonomous simulator, a mobile power plant, and a battery command post. These components can be mounted on various chassis, semi-trailers, or trailers, according to customer specifications.

Key performance characteristics of the Tor-M2KM include the ability to process 48 targets simultaneously, a detection range of up to 32,000 meters, and an engagement zone extending from 1,000 to 15,000 meters in drange and up to 10,000 meters in altitude. It can engage targets moving at speeds up to 700 meters per second and has a reaction time of 5-10 seconds from target detection to missile launch. The system requires 18 minutes to reload and has a maximum transport position length of 7,500 mm and a weight of 15 tons. The standard crew for operation is two personnel.

The Tor-M2KM has a detection range of up to 32,000 meters, and an engagement zone extending from 1,000 to 15,000 meters in range and up to 10,000 meters in altitude. (Picture source: Russian social media)