On January 21, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) released a video allegedly showing the destruction of a Pantsir-S1 air defense system of the Syrian Air Defense Forces during the January 20 IDF strike on Syria. MORE HERE
The video, which was made from several separate parts [please take a look at 0:17], gained a wide attention in the media and caused multiple speculations and opinions. Below, SF provides a version released by Syrian military commentator, Mohammed Saleh Alftayeh.
According to the provided version, the IDF employed IAI Harop loitering munitions to target the Pantsir-S1 system. The IAI Harop is an anti-radiation drone, which is capable of autonomously homing in on radio emissions.
HINT: On May 10, 2018 the IDF already employed IAI Harop munitions to destroyed an inact Pantsir-S1 system of the Syrian military. MORE HERE
Click to see the full-size image
Additionally, Alftayeh pointed out that the air-defense system was not active when it was targeted by the Israeli strike. This can be confirmed by the position of radar of the Pantsir-S1.
Click to see the full-size image
Click to see the full-size image
Click to see the full-size image
The video released by the IDF also showed a possible loading vehicle near the air-defense system.
Click to see the full-size image
Summing up these reveleations and the fact that the Israeli video was made from several parts, it becomes clear that:
- The IDF assembled footage from different munitions to show like the Pantsir-S1 system was targeted during an active engagement because it was not been able to repel the attack. This montaged video was actively used by the Israeli media in its propaganda campaign on the conflict.
- In fact, the Pantsir-S1 system was targeted when it was inactive. The system had likely spent all of its ammunition and was waiting for a reloading vehicle. At this very moment, the system was hit by a strike.
