Russia’s Almaz-Antey Aerospace Defense Concern has brought several short-range air defense systems to the El Alamein International Airshow 2026 in Egypt. The Rosoboronexport display includes models of the Tor-E2, Tor-M2K and the Tor-M2KM autonomous combat module.
The Tor-M2 family is designed to protect military units, administrative facilities and troops on the move against a broad range of aerial threats. Potential targets include aircraft, helicopters, cruise and anti-radiation missiles, guided weapons, glide bombs and unmanned aerial vehicles. The systems are also capable of operating in difficult weather conditions and under intense electronic countermeasures.
The Tor-M2KM, developed by the Izhevsk Electromechanical Plant Kupol, has attracted particular interest from foreign delegations. The autonomous module has recently also received the status of a sea-based air defense system.
That development followed a series of trials over water that began in 2015, Voennoye Obozreniye reported. The tests focused on the concept of interchangeable modular weapons, allowing the same combat unit to be deployed on different platforms.
On a warship, for example, the Tor-M2KM can be placed on a helicopter deck to strengthen air defense. Once the threat has been eliminated or the mission completed, the module can be removed, allowing the ship’s helicopter to return to its normal position.
The Tor-M2 family has accumulated operational experience since the military campaign in Syria, with further combat use beginning after hostilities started in the Ukrainian theater.
In spring 2022, the Russian Navy requested that a trial Tor-M2KM unit be deployed aboard one of its warships. The experiment confirmed the system’s stated characteristics, and the module remained on board to continue performing air defense missions. It has now been operating in that role for more than four years.
Another phase of testing took place in 2024–2025. The final stage included live-fire drills during the July Storm exercises, when the Russian Baltic Fleet patrol ship Viktor Veliky successfully conducted anti-aircraft missile launches using the Tor-M2KM.
The results became one of the key factors behind the decision to further develop the Tor-M2 into a modular version for the Russian Navy.
Kupol said the first autonomous module was based on the Tor-M2U and carried eight 9M331 surface-to-air missiles. The current version is built around the newer Tor-M2 and carries 16 9M338K missiles.
Its modular design is not limited to naval use. The Tor-M2KM can also be installed on vehicle chassis, trailers and other suitable platforms.
Another major feature of the Tor-M2 family is its rapid deployment time. The system can switch from traveling configuration to combat readiness in no more than three minutes.
In combat zones, the Tor-M2 has also been praised for its mobility, ease of operation and economy. The system is additionally capable of launching missiles while on the move.