Russia is set to make first deliveries of the Pechora-2M, an upgraded Almaz S-125 (SA-3 Gainful) medium-range surface-to-air missile.
The Pechora-2M was selected by Egypt in 2001 and is being developed by Defense Systems, a holding company of 10 Russian and four Belarussian firms. "Fire tests have been completed and the customer has signed acceptance documents," says Ivan Goncharenko, Rosoboronexport deputy general director. Rosoboronexport is contract manager responsible for marketing.
Defense Systems is absorbing Kazakhstan's Ainur and the national radio-electronics and communications centre. The merger will provide development, production and after-sales support for upgraded Soviet SAMs.
The Pechora-2M transfers the towed S-125 onto vehicles while separation between launcher, control and antenna is increased from 70m (230ft) to 10km (5.4nm). Set-up time is reduced from 90min to 30min. Digital processors improve jamming protection and performance against low- and fast-flying targets. The Pechora-2M also has a thermal imaging system and radar. The associated Fakel 5V27 missile has a new solid-fuel booster and a warhead that is three times more effective.
Source: Flight International