Russia doubles down on Crimean Bridge security amid Ukrainian threats
The Crimean Bridge is crucial for Russians, as control over it ensures efficient logistics for the Russian army in the area. Therefore, the Russian Federation clearly focuses on keeping the valuable road connecting the Crimean Peninsula with the Taman Peninsula secure. Photos showing how Russia is accomplishing this task have recently surfaced online.
The Russian Federation is increasingly prioritizing the security of the Crimean Bridge. As early as May 2024, particular barriers were installed on the structure to protect against Ukrainian strikes. A few months later, the Russians began building additional fortifications in July.
Russians secure the Crimean Bridge against Ukrainian attacks
The efforts to protect the Crimean Bridge do not end there. In September 2024, Ukrainian Navy spokesman Dmytro Pletentchyk noted that the Russian Federation was deploying "all available air defense systems, including S-500, S-400, S-300 and Pantsir-S1 to protect the Kerch bridge." Deploying more machines is crucial, as, according to Ukrainian partisans, the condition of the bridge is deteriorating – the structure is slowly collapsing.
The Ukrainian portal Defense Express now reports that the Russians are introducing more measures to ensure the safety of the Crimean Bridge. This involves constructing high towers on which Pantsir-S1 missile systems are stationed. These structures were observed on Tuzla Island, situated under the bridge. The height of these towers is estimated to be about 100-115 feet.
Photos published in the media suggest that the Russian Federation plans to build more such structures. Metal sections similar to those where the Pantsir-S1 system has already been deployed have been seen near the bridge. Additionally, anti-tank obstacles have appeared near the Crimean Bridge to protect the structure from attacks using unmanned marine vehicles.
Pantsir-S1 air defense system
The Pantsir system's history dates back to the 1980s when the Soviet Army decided to develop a new short-range air defense system. The previously used 9K330 Tor system was highly effective, but its use was limited by its tracked chassis and high operating costs.
Work on the first prototypes of the Pantsir-S1 system was completed in 1994. The manufacturer based it on truck chassis such as Kamaz-6560, BAZ-6309, or MAN SX45. The system's crew consists of three people, but thanks to the presence of radars and a fire control system, Pantsir can operate fully autonomously, even without a crew.
The Russian Pantsir-S1 air defense system is highly effective. It protects against fire from airplanes and helicopters and intercepts precision weapons moving at speeds up to 2200 mph. One Pantsir-S1 system can monitor up to 12 objects simultaneously, and its radar covers an area with a radius of up to 12 miles. The maximum height for intercepting threats by Pantsir-S1 is 9 miles.
The system includes two automatic 30mm anti-aircraft guns 2A38, with a firing rate of 2500 rounds per minute. Additionally, the Pantsir-S1 is equipped with 12 anti-aircraft missiles 67E6 or 57E6E, placed in two sections of six each. The system can simultaneously engage two targets.
