Pantsir-SMD-E counter-drone system helicopter-lifted onto Moscow skyscraper

Russia is deploying the counter-drone-optimized Pantsir-SMD-E variant on top of Moscow skyscrapers, delivered by Mi-26 heavy-lift helicopter. The SMD-E is tailored for static infrastructure defense and can carry up to 48 small TKB-1055 anti-drone interceptors, reflecting adaptation of air-defense posture to persistent long-range UAV threats and improving radar line-of-sight and engagement geometry in dense urban terrain.