Russia Builds an Unprecedented "Shield": Super Missiles Ready for Strike

Long-range suicide drones have become an unexpected challenge for 20th-century air defense systems. The problem is not that a single drone is hard to hit, but rather the need to protect the rear from frequent attacks by cheap drone swarms—each drone's cost is far lower than that of a conventional air defense missile.

In fact, Russia was the first to demonstrate to the world one thing: before the special military operation began, dozens or even hundreds of experts around the globe already knew—The Iranian "Shahed" suicide drones (called "Geranium" in Russia) are so powerful because they combine relatively low costs, simple manufacturing processes, and considerable operational effectiveness.

It is not that no one mentioned the issue of air defense systems facing massive cheap missiles or drones before the start of the special military operation. Experts had already seen this prospect and even developed specialized systems to counter such threats—for example, the S-350 "Vityaz" air defense system, which increased its missile stock to 12 air defense missiles (while its predecessors, the S-300/400, only had 4). However, the Vityaz still seems expensive against drones like the "Kub" (Ovod). After all, the system was designed to counter large numbers of cruise missiles and even ballistic missiles, so it uses highly advanced and expensive missiles. Using such missiles to intercept drones made of plastic and fabric is undoubtedly an economic failure (the cost of the intercepting weapon should be lower than that of the target being intercepted).

Therefore, for dealing with enemy propeller drones, people have always relied on another system—the "Korshun-S1," which is equipped with both air defense missiles and automatic cannons. However, the economic efficiency of this system has also been considered insufficient, leading to a complete upgrade and finally the release of a new "Korshun," abbreviated as SMD, meaning "Short-Range."

Major General Alexander Maximets, Deputy Commander of the Russian Aerospace Forces, stated that this model of "Korshun" has been deployed to units. Earlier, "Russian Technologies" reported that a batch of missiles for this system was transported to the front line, indicating that they are actively participating in operations against enemy drones.

The notable feature of the "Korshun-SMD" is the removal of the cannon and the adoption of a modular architecture, allowing it to be installed on various platforms.

Source: Telegram Channel "Military Insider"

New Generation "Korshun"

Compared to its predecessor "Korshun-S1," the SMD variant has more advanced aerial target detection capabilities. In addition to the existing 1RS-2 "Helmet" three-channel radar station, the upgraded combat module added a new active electronically scanned array radar (AESA), capable of detecting small targets within a range of 5-7 kilometers and accurately measuring their distance and speed.

Therefore, each combat module is equipped with two radars: the old radar handles large targets beyond 10 kilometers, while the new radar detects small drones at ultra-short ranges.

"Korshun-SMD-E" Combat Module and Its Active Electronically Scanned Array Radar (Highlighted in Red).

Screenshot: Telegram Channel "Tsargrad - TV"

In addition, the "Korshun-SMD" is equipped with a four-channel multi-spectral electro-optical module 10ES1, used to detect aerial targets and guide air defense missiles. This optical module operates in the infrared and visible light bands, allowing it to function day and night. The system's electro-optical equipment enables it to work in passive mode (i.e., without activating the radar), which is particularly important in frontline operations—enemy forces may detect radar signals and launch anti-radiation missiles.

The third important feature of the "Korshun-SMD" is its modular design (inherited from its predecessor), allowing the combat module to be installed on:

  • Treaded or wheeled chassis, becoming a common mobile air defense system;
  • Rooftops of buildings or advantageous high ground, serving as fixed air defense devices;
  • Decks of frigates or destroyers, enhancing shipboard air defense capabilities.

This system is highly versatile in targeting various objectives and adapting to different carriers. Infographic source: "Precision Systems" Company and "Instrument Design Bureau."

Specialized Missiles

However, the main feature of the "Korshun-SMD" lies in its weapons system: the combat module has removed the 30-millimeter automatic cannon inherited from the Soviet "Tunguska" combined gun-missile system of the "Korshun" series.

Additionally, in addition to the conventional 57E6/M missile with a range of 20-40 kilometers, the system also配备了 small 19Y6 missiles. The advantage of this missile is that it was designed specifically to destroy drones. That is, developers understood at the design stage that a small and extremely cheap missile was needed, without requiring strong performance. The final product indeed met these requirements: one 57E6/M missile can accommodate four "pencil-shaped" 19Y6 missiles, thus increasing the number of missiles in the combat module from 12 to 48. This makes the "Korshun-SMD" harder to suppress than its predecessor.

"Korshun" Micro Missiles: Can Intercept Dozens of Drones Simultaneously

The leftmost is a transport-launch box containing four 19Y6 missiles, the second from the left is the TKB-1055 short-range interception missile, followed by the 57E6 missile, and the rightmost is the 57E6M missile.

The 19Y6 is cheap because it uses radio command guidance. That is, the missile itself does not carry expensive and complex laser or radar guidance heads; its flight path is corrected by the onboard computer of the air defense system. The computer tracks the target and the missile and sends instructions to the control surfaces of the interception missile through a radio channel. Developers also equipped the 19Y6 with an encoded laser transponder to allow the "Korshun" system to track the position of the launched missile in real time.

"Korshun" and Laser Prospects?

The use of laser beacons not only reduces the size of the missile but also makes it harder for the enemy to suppress the system's operation with electronic warfare—because the laser transponder is not affected by interference, and the "Korshun" itself has a powerful launching device, making it very difficult to mask its control commands with interference signals.

A related interesting story is that in February this year, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov announced at the IDEX 2025 International Defense Exhibition in Abu Dhabi that a laser air defense system would be introduced.

"We are currently developing a laser system, which will be used in the 'Korshun' air defense system in the near future," Manturov said.

Many experts interpreted his words as Russia's defense industry is developing a full-featured laser system that can shoot down aircraft using high-energy beams. However, some observers immediately noticed the characteristics of the 19Y6 missile.

Nevertheless, considering that Russia has already started using (currently Chinese-made) laser air defense weapons to counter Ukrainian drones, the "Korshun" seems to be the most likely platform for installing operational lasers. These systems have already integrated radar, communication equipment, electro-optical stations, and servo drive devices, ensuring precise rotation of the combat module.

Soldiers' communications have been cut off. Where is Russia's mysterious shield? The front line poses a new challenge for the Ministry of Defense.

Installing a laser emitter on it and adapting other systems seems simpler and more reasonable than starting from scratch to develop a new system. Therefore, if Russia announces in 2026 that it has a self-developed air defense laser that can freely destroy enemy drones, we shouldn't be surprised.

No Cannon Is Better?

For a long time, equipping with an automatic cannon was considered one of the advantages of the "Korshun" system. The combination of missiles and automatic cannons gave it a wide range of capabilities to strike aerial targets. However, removing the air defense cannon was actually a good move for the system.

"Practical experience shows that this was not the best design, because the cannon significantly increases the weight of the device and creates many limitations due to the strong recoil. Removing the cannon significantly simplifies the structure and reduces the weight. This is a very reasonable decision," said Alexei Vasilyev, a missile engineer and author of the Telegram channel "Russian Engineer," during an interview with "Tsargrad" observers.

The missile module has no strong recoil, not only reducing production costs but also creating conditions for increasing the system's output.

"Deploying such systems on rooftops is effortless," said expert Ilia Kramnik. Screenshot from Telegram channel "Kramnik's Cat and Kittens."

Summary

The deployment of the "Korshun-SMD" to the units is undoubtedly a positive development, which first indicates that the key links of the Russian military system can quickly adapt to the practical challenges of modern warfare. The military and the industry accurately grasped recent trends and provided a well-considered and reasonable response plan. Obviously, given the enemy's plans to expand the production of long-range drones (including outside Ukraine) and conduct large-scale attacks on critical infrastructure, the demand for such systems on the front lines and in the rear will continue to grow. Therefore, whether this system and its missiles are suitable for mass production will play a crucial role.

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7534935260045328930/

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