Russia has further enhanced Algeria’s air defense capabilities with the delivery of an undisclosed number of TOR-M2K air defense missile systems. This development marks a significant milestone in Algeria’s military modernization program and solidifies its regional standing. It also underscores Russia’s unwavering commitment to bolstering its defense relationship with Algeria.
The TOR-M2K air defense missile system, designed by the Russian Defense Company Almaz-Antey, is built on the 9А331МК chassis from Belarusian Company MZKT. It is specifically engineered to counter fixed- and rotary-winged aircraft, aerodynamic unmanned aerial vehicles, guided missiles, and other precision munitions at medium, low, and extremely low altitudes in contested air and jamming environments.
The TOR-M2K is an upgraded version of the TOR-M1 short-range air defense missile system. It features improved fire control radar coverage and boasts four guidance channels, enabling the simultaneous guidance of up to four missiles at a time. The system is equipped with a digital computer system and an all-weather optical tracking system, ensuring its effectiveness in adverse weather conditions.
The TOR-M2K missile system can be mounted on either wheeled or tracked chassis, offering flexibility in deployment. With its enhanced capabilities, the TOR-M2K doubles the number of targets that can be engaged simultaneously by a single combat vehicle, further strengthening Algeria’s air defense network.
Algeria’s decision to acquire the TOR-M2K air defense missile system is a testament to the ongoing strengthening of its defense ties with Russia. The country already possesses other advanced anti-aircraft defense systems, such as the Pantsir-S1, Buk-M2, and various surface-to-air missiles. These acquisitions highlight the strategic alliance between Algeria and Russia, as both nations continue to deepen their relationship in the defense sector.
The addition of the TOR-M2K system to Algeria’s arsenal will undoubtedly enhance its air defence capabilities and contribute to the nation’s overall security. The system’s advanced features and ability to engage multiple targets simultaneously make it a valuable asset in defending against aerial threats. With Russia’s support and the continuous upgrading of its military technology, Algeria is well-positioned to address evolving security challenges in the region.
The new Tor M2K will complement recently acquired Pantsir SM mobile air defence system which is mounted on 8×8 K-53958 “Tornado” truck in Algerian service.
As Algeria strengthens its air defence capabilities, it also underscores the importance of nations investing in robust defense systems to safeguard their sovereignty and protect against potential threats. The acquisition of advanced missile systems like the TOR-M2K demonstrates Algeria’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of its airspace.
The delivery of the TOR-M2K air defense missile systems from Russia represents a significant milestone in Algeria’s military modernization program. By enhancing its air defense capabilities, Algeria is reinforcing its regional standing and strengthening its strategic alliance with Russia.
The TOR-M2K system’s advanced features and ability to engage multiple targets simultaneously will undoubtedly contribute to Algeria’s overall security and defence capabilities. As nations continue to invest in advanced defense systems, it underscores the importance of maintaining a robust and modernized military to protect national interests and sovereignty.
Oleg Salyukov, the Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Ground Forces, called Tor the most effective solution against the drone threat and informed that the new small and cheap missiles were being developed to intercept the small-sized drones. The system was also tested against the ballistic missiles.
During the 2020 conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh, according to the media reports, Tor SAMs also succeeded in downing unmanned aerial vehicles. Al Jazeera specified in one of its reports that, the system was surely capable of “finding and shooting down” the Turkish-produced Bayraktar TB2 drones.
The Tor SAM has been used by Russia in its military operation in Syria. In 2020 the Russian Ministry of Defense officially announced, that these systems had shot down dozens of improvised drones there. The MoD has also publicized the successful use of Tor SAMs in current combat actions in Ukraine, calling it the system capable of ‘locking the sky’.
