Russia has begun deploying new Pantsir-SMD-E air defense systems on rooftops in Moscow, including civilian buildings, according to analysts and media reports.
Military analyst Massimo Frantarelli said on X Thursday that heavy Mi-26 transport helicopters are being used to place the systems on rooftops across the city.
One system was reportedly installed on the Nordstar Tower business center in northern Moscow.
The Pantsir-SMD-E is a newer version of Russia’s Pantsir system designed to counter drones and small aerial targets.
Unlike older Pantsir-S1 systems, it does not include automatic cannons and relies solely on interceptor missiles.
The system carries two types of missiles: the 95Ya6 interceptor with a reported range of up to 20 kilometers (12.4 miles), and smaller TKB-1055 missiles designed to target drones at shorter ranges.
Ukrainian defense outlet Militarnyi said the system is equipped with radar capable of detecting targets at distances of up to 24 kilometers (15 miles).
Russia has strengthened air defenses around Moscow following repeated Ukrainian drone strikes targeting infrastructure deep inside its territory.
Ukraine hit an oil refinery in the Moscow region on May 17 that reportedly halted output at the facilities, after another strike on May 4 that struck a residential tower in western Moscow, ahead of Russia’s May 9 WWII parades.
Earlier this week, Ukraine also launched strikes on Russian military and energy infrastructure, hitting an aircraft repair plant in Taganrog, the Baltimor airbase in Voronezh, and the Tuapse oil refinery.
Russia reportedly deployed dozens of additional Pantsir systems around Moscow in 2025. Analysts estimate that over 100 air defense units have been added since 2023.