Russia is showcasing a wide range of surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems of the Tor family, Russia’s best short-range air defense systems.

Tor-M2KM self-contained combat module (CM) (Picture source: Almaz-Antey)

The most interesting version of the family is the Tor-M2KM self-contained combat module (CM). It differs from its basic version by the absence of regular chassis: the module can be integrated with any chassis of suitable load capacity, operated stationary. As a result, the self-contained combat module is noticeably cheaper, twice as light (15 tons) and easier in transportation. This, in turn, makes the Tor-M2KM CM the optimal means of air defense of sensitive facilities such as oil refineries, nuclear power plants, command centers, etc.

The Tor-M2KM self-contained combat module is designed to provide air defense, featuring high interference immunity against active and passive jamming. It is capable to perform combat operations round-the-clock and in all weather conditions. The protection zone ranges from 10 m to 12 km in altitude, from 1 km to 15 km in range, with a course parameter of ± 8 km. The protection area for one combat vehicle is up to 480 km. In its area of responsibility, the system is capable to effectively engaging existing and future aerial assault means, including low-observable and low-flying ones.

The high-potential target detection radar enables the detection of aerial assault means at a range of up to 32 km. The radar features an airspace observation speed of 1 revolution per second which is the world’s best performance indicator. Up to 48 targets can be detected in one revolution of the antenna, up to 144 in three revolutions. Trajectories for detected targets are entered in automatic mode. The ten most dangerous ones are displayed on the indicator monitor.

The system features radio command guidance. The guidance station is equipped with a phased antenna array and provides the highest accuracy of guidance. Simultaneous engagement of up four aerial targets is ensured. The target’s maximum flight speed is up to 700 m/s, its minimum effective scattering area is 0.1 m². The guidance method is selected by the control computer in automatic mode depending on the type of target. One of the guidance methods enables to reliably engage low-flying cruise missiles at altitudes of up to 10 m above the ground. Another method provides for the engagement of moving targets. The third one helps the destruction of guided air bombs. The fourth, fifth and sixth ones enable to kill aircraft, helicopters and UAVs, respectively.

Like all air defense systems of the Tor family, Tor-M2KM SAM features a record short transition time to combat position: It can go from standby to full alert in 3 minutes. This helps the combat vehicle to quickly engage in combat in case of air assault threat.

Tor-M2KM self-contained combat module (CM) is completely self-contained and can be mounted on different platforms of the appropriate load capacity (Picture source: Almaz-Antey)

The system is completely self-contained and can be mounted on different platforms of the appropriate load capacity (truck chassis, semi-trailers, trailers, railway platforms, roofs of buildings and installations, onboard warships and commercial vessels, stationary, in hard-to-reach places on prepared sites). The CM can be transported by any type of transportation with sufficient carrying capacity, including heavy helicopters of the MI-26T type on an external sling. The CM can be easily mounted and removed by any lifting device with a load capacity of at least 25 tons within 10 minutes.

The system is universal and can be used for air defense of ground forces, ships and vessels, ports and airfields. Besides, the Tor-M2KM SAM system is capable to ensure a reliable shield for oil (gas) storage, including oil exploring offshore platforms, and oil refineries against terrorist attacks employing cruise missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles carrying strike weapons and kamikaze drones.

Tor-M2KM self-contained combat module (CM) firing an air defense missile (Picture source: Almaz-Antey)