Russian Military: Militants Launched Drone Toward Hmeimim Airbase, Pantsir-S Shot It Down

The Russian Defense Ministry said Monday it had intercepted a drone launched at a key Russian military installation in western Syria.

According to Rear Adm. Vadim Kulit, deputy head of the Russian Center for the Reconciliation of Warring Parties in Syria, the drone was launched from the de-escalation zone in Idlib Governorate toward Hmeimim Air Base in Latakia Governorate, a province to the southwest near the Mediterranean coast. However, the drone was intercepted by a Pantsir-S mobile air defense system (NATO reporting name SA-22 Greyhound).

"The missile armament of the Pantsir-S anti-aircraft missile and cannon system of the Russian airbase destroyed the air target at a distance from the airbase," Kulit told reporters. "There were no casualties or material damage as a result of the incident. Russian airbase Hmeimim is operating as planned."

The short-range air defense system, which excels at gunning down low-altitude drones, missiles and artillery, has enjoyed remarkable success in the Syrian war, successfully taking down drones and cruise missiles fired by Islamist rebel militants or by Israel at the forces of the Syrian government and its allies, which include Russia.