The Panther-M Complex Enhances the Defensive Power of Russian Navy’s Karakurt-class Ships
The Russian Navy is taking a significant step in boosting the defensive capabilities of its Karakurt-class missile ships with the introduction of the Panther-M complex. This cutting-edge system is set to elevate the defensive prowess of these small vessels.
Scheduled for combat duty at the end of this month, the Project 22800 missile ship named Odintsovo will mark the first deployment of the Panther-M complex. Ak Bars Shipyard confirmed the delivery of this latest addition to the Russian Navy. Currently, Russia possesses three Project 22800 missile ships, equipped only with 2 high-speed anti-aircraft guns AK-630M.
Shipyard leaders are optimistic about the future of Project 22800. They anticipate that upcoming ships of the same class will also be equipped with the Panther-M air defense system. According to Ak Bars director Mistakhov, another ship of this class is expected to be launched in 2023.
The Panther-M: A Short-Range Anti-Aircraft Artillery System
Russia has a history of converting land-based weapons systems into naval versions. For instance, the Project 11661 ship, Tatarstan, was outfitted with the Kh-35 Uran anti-ship cruise missile. Similarly, the renowned 3M53 Kalibr supersonic anti-ship cruise missile became the main armament of the Dagestan, a modernized Project 11611 frigate.
The Ministry of Defense’s plan includes the construction of a total of 5 Project 22800 missile ships by Ak Bars. Odintsovo is the fourth ship of this class to be mass-produced, serving the needs of the Russian Navy’s combat forces.
Furthermore, other Russian shipyards will build an additional 13 Karakurt-class ships. Moscow’s aim is to replace the aging Moniya and Nanuchka classes gradually with a total of 18 ships of this type.
The Karakurt-class battleship boasts a length of 67 meters, a width of 11 meters, and a draft of 4 meters. It has a full load displacement of 800 tons, a range of 2,500 nautical miles, and an autonomy of 15 days. Its armament includes 8 Kalibr missiles, a 76mm AK-176MA cannon, a Panther-M complex, and two 14.5mm or 12.7mm MTPTU machine guns.
One of the key upgrades is the Panther-M’s enhanced algorithm, designed to determine the firing element best suited for launch based on variable launcher coordinates.
Additionally, the Panther-M replaces two 30mm 2A38M cannons with the AO-18KD variant, offering a higher rate of fire and better fire density, ideal for intercepting cruise and anti-ship missiles.
With installation on new ships and the phase-out of old-generation anti-ship missile and anti-aircraft artillery systems like Kashtan and Palma, Panther-M is set to play a crucial role in enhancing the combat capabilities of the Russian Navy.
Despite its potential for export, the Panther-M air defense complex has faced challenges. During recent conflicts with Ukraine, Russian armed forces lost several Panther-M systems to Ukrainian UAVs. This raised concerns about the system’s performance.
In conclusion, the introduction of the Panther-M complex marks a significant advancement in the defensive capabilities of the Russian Navy’s Karakurt-class ships. As the system finds its place on new vessels and potentially in the international market, its performance and adaptability will continue to be closely observed.
