The Russian army is equipping its first battalion with Tor-M2DT short-range air defense missile systems, the Russian Defense Ministry announced last 15 November. On November 19-25, 2018, the first Arctic Tor-M2DT anti-aircraft missile systems are to enter operational service in the Northern fleet (Yeysk, Krasnodar Region)," the statement reads. The hand-over ceremony will be held in the territory of the 726th air defence training centre of military air defence.

TOR-M2DT displayed at Army 2018 near Kubinka (Picture source: Army Recognition )

The TOR-M2DT is a Russian-made short-range air defense missile system using the TOR-M2 missile launcher station. The system, especially designed to be used for Arctic region, is based on the chassis of the DT-30PM tracked all-terrain vehicle which consists of two tracked modules linked by a steering mechanism. The second vehicle is used to carry the TOR-M2 missile launcher station.

The TOR-M2DT has been developed by the JSC Izhevsk Electromechanical Plant Kupol (a subsidiary of the Almaz-Antey Concern). In February 2017, it was announced that Russian defense contractor Tekhnodinamika was finalizing the development of a prototype transporter-loader for the Arctic derivative of the Tor (NATO reporting name: SA-15 Gauntlet) air defense missile system. According to the Company Tekhnodinamika, the Arctic version of the TOR short-range air defense missile system can be used for defending the polar military bases being set up in the Russian Arctic from Frantz Josef Land to Chukotka. The TOR-M2DT was revealed during the rehearsal for the Russian Victory Day Parade, in April 2017.