On July 3rd, Vyacheslav Dzirkaln, the deputy general director of Almaz Antey concern, unveiled the enhanced Komar SAMS, which is specifically designed for boats and ships with limited displacement. This advanced system offers two variants of missiles, enhancing its capabilities for short-range anti-aircraft defense. Notably, the complex exhibits compact and lightweight features, with the launcher weighing less than 1.5 tons. These characteristics allow for effective and dependable air defense for boats and ships operating within the specified displacement range.
During an interview with RIA Novosti, Vyacheslav Dzirkaln highlighted the distinctive features of the Komar anti-aircraft missile system, emphasizing its capability to simultaneously employ two types of missiles: the “Igla-S” for engaging air targets at altitudes of up to six kilometers, and the “Ataka” for striking surface targets within a range of up to six kilometers. He clarified that Komar does not compete with the Pantsir-ME air defense system, as both systems serve different purposes, with the former boasting a simpler design. Dzirkaln further revealed that the Komar system is already being delivered to certain customers and is also being offered for export.
The Komar short-range anti-aircraft missile system, manufactured in Russia, is specifically designed to engage low-flying targets like helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and fixed-wing aircraft at distances of up to 10 kilometers. It comprises a launcher vehicle, a command vehicle, and a radar vehicle. The launcher vehicle is equipped with four ready-to-launch missile containers and can be reloaded in the field. The command vehicle handles target acquisition, tracking, and missile guidance, while the radar vehicle provides early warning and target tracking capabilities.
The Komar missile itself is a two-stage, solid-fueled projectile with a maximum range of 10 kilometers and a top speed of Mach 2.5. It incorporates a semi-active radar seeker and is armed with a high-explosive fragmentation warhead. The missile receives guidance commands from the command vehicle via radio communication to accurately hit its intended target.
Featuring high mobility, the Komar system can be swiftly deployed in various terrains. It operates effectively in all weather conditions and demonstrates proficiency against a diverse array of targets. Additionally, the system offers relative affordability compared to other anti-aircraft missile systems.
The United States possesses counterparts to the Komar system, namely the FIM-92 Stinger and the AIM-9 Sidewinder. These systems share similarities as they are portable by a single soldier and demonstrate notable efficacy against low-flying targets. Deployed extensively in global conflicts, the Stinger and Sidewinder have garnered a reputation for their successful utilization in various operational theaters.
