The Russian Ministry of Defense has disclosed that the heavy aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov is slated to be equipped with the newest Pantsir-M anti-aircraft missile and artillery systems. This development signals a significant upgrade in the ship’s air defense capability, aligning with ongoing efforts to modernize Russia’s naval assets and bolster the protective umbrella around a key carrier platform. Independent observers note that the Pantsir-M package combines short-range missiles with rapid-fire artillery to create a layered defense against a broad spectrum of aerial threats, including drones and precision-guided munitions. The announcement, reported by News, underscores a strategic push to empower the Kuznetsov with an integrated suite designed to respond to modern operational challenges at sea.
