Russian leaks: Discover how Russia’s Tor-M1 air defense system counters Ukrainian drones.

On July 15, 2024, leaked documents revealed many details about Russia's Tor-M1 air defense system. This mobile, short-range system, known by its NATO reporting name SA-15 Gauntlet, is critically important for Russia to counter Ukrainian aerial threats, such as aircraft, helicopters, UAVs, and precision-guided munitions. Therefore, these leaks could offer Ukrainian soldiers an in-depth look into the capabilities and operational procedures of this significant defense asset, enabling them to counter it more effectively.
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The Tor-M1 system includes several key components: the combat vehicle (9A331) serves as the core, housing all essential systems, while the missile module (9M334) contains four 9M331 missiles in a vertical transport-launch container (9Ya281). (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The Tor-M1 air defense missile system, designated as 9K331, is an autonomous, self-propelled anti-aircraft missile system designed to protect military units and critical infrastructure from modern and prospective air threats, including high-precision weapons, aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, guided bombs, and UAVs. The system integrates combat information systems, communication tools, and weapons on a single tracked chassis, forming a compact and functionally complete tactical unit.

The Tor-M1 system includes several key components, according to the leaked manual. The combat vehicle (9A331) serves as the core, housing all essential systems. The missile module (9M334) contains four 9M331 missiles in a vertical transport-launch container (9Ya281) and requires no maintenance throughout its service life. The system is supported by additional vehicles such as the transport-loading vehicle (9T244), the transport vehicle (9T245), technical service machines (9V887M and 9V888-1M), a set of rigging equipment (9F116), a group spare parts machine (9F399-1M1), and an autonomous electronic operator trainer (9F678).

Performance-wise, the Tor-M1 can detect up to 48 targets simultaneously and engage two at once. It has a detection range of up to 27 km, with a 360° detection azimuth and an elevation range of 0-32° or 32-64°. The system detects targets at altitudes up to 23 km and engages targets within ranges of 1-12 km and altitudes between 0.01 and 6 km, at speeds from 10 to 700 m/s. It can handle targets with a maximum transverse overload of 10 g and a minimum reflective surface of 0.1 m². The reaction time is 7.4 seconds from position and 9.7 seconds from a short stop after movement. Each combat vehicle is equipped with eight missiles, with a probability of kill per missile ranging from 0.45-0.8 for aircraft (F-15 type), 0.62-0.75 for helicopters, 0.93-0.97 for cruise missiles, and 0.75-0.9 for high-precision weapons.

The Tor-M1 can detect up to 48 targets simultaneously and engage two at once. It has a detection range of up to 27 km, with a 360° detection azimuth and an elevation range of 0-32° or 32-64°. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The 9M331 missile weighs 167 kg, measures 2898 mm in length, and has a diameter of 239 mm, a wingspan of 650 mm, and a control surface span of 530 mm. It carries a fragmentation-high explosive warhead weighing 14.8 kg. The missile's maximum speed ranges between 700 and 850 m/s, with a minimum maneuvering speed of 300 m/s and a maximum transverse overload capacity of 15-16 g. The catapult device weighs 9 kg.

The radar and guidance system of the Tor-M1 includes a coherent-pulse radar with a circular scan operating in the centimeter wave band, with a transmitter power of 1.5 kW. It offers a resolution of up to 2.0° in azimuth, 4° in elevation, and 200 m in range, with a scanning time of 1 second. It has a detection probability of at least 0.8 for aircraft like the F-15 at ranges of 25-27 km, at least 0.7 for UAVs at 9-15 km, and 0.6-0.8 for hovering helicopters at 13-20 km. It can also detect ground helicopters with spinning rotors at probabilities of 0.4-0.7 at ranges of 13-20 km. The guidance and tracking radar (SVR, SPK) is a coherent-pulse Doppler radar with a phased array antenna, capable of electronic beam steering for rapid target tracking, and has a probability of auto-tracking aircraft at 0.5 at 23 km, increasing with proximity. For backup, a television-optical sight is used for auto-tracking targets in angular coordinates.

The Tor-M1 system operates effectively in diverse environmental conditions. It can function at altitudes up to 3000 meters above sea level and within a temperature range of -50°C to +50°C, withstanding wind speeds up to 20 m/s and humidity levels up to 98% at 30±5°C. Its combat vehicle is capable of speeds up to 65 km/h on highways and 45 km/h on dirt roads. The vehicle weighs 37 tons and has a fuel range of 500 km with two hours of operational time. The crew consists of three personnel, including the driver-mechanic.

The radar and guidance system of the Tor-M1 includes a coherent-pulse radar with a circular scan operating in the centimeter wave band, with a scanning time of 1 second. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

Missile deployment involves using the transport-loading machine (TZM) to load the TPK into the combat vehicle in a vertical position, with preparation time for loading two modules being approximately 25 minutes. The missile launch and flight phases are managed by the start automation equipment on the combat vehicle, which initiates several checks and sequences, including the startup of electrical systems and gyro autopilot, verification of safety circuits, and readiness of pyrotechnic devices. The pyrotechnic device ignites, ejecting the missile from the container to an altitude of 15-20 meters. The in-flight dynamics involve initial guidance using gas-powered steering, transitioning to aerodynamic control surfaces as the missile reaches effective speeds, and continuous guidance adjustments based on radar input, with potential for self-destruction if the missile misses the target.

The Tor-M1 uses guidance methods such as the three-point guidance method, which keeps the missile on the line of sight to the target, and the half-straightening guidance method, which adjusts the missile trajectory towards an intercept point ahead of the target, reducing necessary maneuvering forces. For low-altitude engagement, a special three-point method avoids ground reflections. Throughout the flight, the autopilot stabilizes the missile relative to its axes based on sensor signals.

Finally, the Tor-M1 includes safety features such as a self-destruction mechanism activated if the missile misses the target, preventing unintended damage. Electro-mechanical safeguards prevent accidental launch and ensure controlled ignition sequences.