Suspected Russia sent armored train carrying special weapons to Ukraine

A Russian armored train appeared near the city of Melitopol, southern Ukraine in May 2022 (Photo: The National).

Defense Express reported on March 10 that the Russian military is planning to send armored trains equipped with special cars to fight in Ukraine. These cars will be equipped with special weapons to increase the combat power of the armored train, including the modern Pantsir-S1 air defense system. In addition, some tank turrets and engineering vehicles can also be installed on the Russian armored train.

The installation of the Pantsir-S1 complex can be seen as an improvement to enhance the air defense capability of Russia's armored trains. Previously, these trains were usually only equipped with weapons such as Zu-23-2 double-barreled anti-aircraft guns, 12.7mm Utyos heavy machine guns or grenade launchers.

Recently, Russia has continuously sent armored trains to Ukraine to protect the vital logistics route for the fighting forces in Ukraine in the context that President Volodymyr Zelensky's army is preparing for a major counterattack in this area in the near future.

An anti-aircraft gun mounted on a Russian armored train (Photo: Defense Express).

In addition, according to the Russian Ministry of Defense , these armored trains also carry out the tasks of "technical supervision, mine clearance and restoration of railway lines and small man-made structures that have been slightly damaged" in Ukraine.

About Pantsir-S1, this is a modern anti-aircraft missile and artillery complex of the Russian army. This complex was designed by the KBP design bureau and put into use since 2003, with the main task of destroying short- and medium-range enemy aircraft targets. Mounted on a tracked or wheeled chassis, Pantsir-S1 is equipped with automatic anti-aircraft guns and surface-to-air missiles to attack enemy aircraft targets.

Pantsir-S1 air defense system mounted on a Russian wheeled truck chassis (Photo: Armies Power).

The Pantsir-S1 complex is controlled and guided by extremely sensitive radars, optical devices for tracking targets and computer systems inside the command post. In the Ukrainian battlefield, the Pantsir-S1 is widely used to protect Russian forces from attacks by Ukrainian missiles, rockets and UAVs. The Russian Ministry of Defense previously confirmed that the hit rate of the Pantsir-S1 complex in Ukraine is up to 100%.

Previously, many complexes of this type were hoisted onto the roofs of high-rise buildings in the capital Moscow, including the headquarters of the Russian Ministry of Defense, to guard against air attacks by Ukraine.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-gioi/nghi-van-nga-dua-doan-tau-boc-thep-mang-theo-vu-khi-dac-biet-toi-ukraine-20230311104245330.htm