The Smoke-2 complex protects the Strategic Missile Forces
The Smoke-2 system is being activated. The cover is lifted and the combat module is extended.
In the mid-2010s, it was put into service Rocket The Strategic Missile Forces (RVSN) received the Dym-2 fixed-wing firing system. It is designed to protect positional areas and missile systems from intruders and saboteurs. Upon detecting an intrusion, the system can warn the intruder or open fire on them.
New means of protection
The Strategic Missile Forces' position areas are provided with multi-component, layered protection. This includes engineered obstacles, video surveillance systems, and other sensors. Armored security units also maintain combat alert, patrolling the area or deploying to the required area upon alert.
In addition, stationary weapons are being used. For example, the project codenamed "Dym-2" was launched no later than the early 2010s. According to available information, the development of a new remote-controlled firing system (RCFS) was entrusted to the Tula-based company "Alfa-Pribor."
As it later became known, all work on the system was completed by the mid-2010s. In 2015–2016, the first serial Dymy-2 systems were delivered to the Kozelsk Missile Division of the Strategic Missile Forces. They were used to enhance the security of the Yars missile systems in their fixed configuration.
In February 2021, the television program "I Serve Russia!" (Zvezda TV) showed the new SDUKs in their normal position for the first time. The report focused on the daily routine of the Kozelsk Strategic Missile Forces unit, and specifically touched on the security of their positions. The footage captured a video surveillance operator working with the "Dym-2" system. The system was shown being armed and simulating target acquisition.
The "Dym-2" SDUK was subsequently mentioned in the press several more times. For example, in March 2024, a more detailed video was published by renowned journalist Alexander Rogatkin. This time, all the main components of the system were captured on camera. This video was recently brought up again, this time in connection with a discussion of the system's possible use against drones (more on this below).
It is known that the "Dym-2" system is being mass-produced and is being delivered to Strategic Missile Forces units. For example, in December 2021, Colonel General Sergei Karakayev, Commander of the Missile Forces, reported that 28 new firing systems had been delivered to the Kozelsk Division alone by that time.
This confirmed number can be supplemented with a cautious estimate. The division's needs for such equipment are likely higher, and the Strategic Missile Forces have several similar units. This suggests that the total number of Dymov-2s is in the tens, and possibly hundreds. The troops have likely received the necessary equipment, or most of it, by now, but we do not have precise data on the fleet's size.
Combat module
The "Dym-2" is a remotely controlled combat module designed for fixed deployment. Due to its specific role, it features a unique component set and capabilities uncharacteristic of conventional combat modules. The specifications below are based on published data and footage from reports and have not yet been officially confirmed on all counts.
The module has a complex housing, with the necessary devices mounted both inside and outside. The assembled unit is mounted on a rotating support with a telescopic arm. The SDUK can be raised and lowered, and can be aimed in two planes.
Combat module, rear view
The firing system is mounted in an above-ground cylindrical concrete shelter. It is protected from above by a movable armored cover. In standby mode, the module is located inside the shelter, under the cover. When in combat mode, the cover opens, and the module extends above the concrete structure.
On the front part of the module, inside the hull, an optical unit is mounted for target search and guidance. weaponsBelow are LED spotlights and other devices. In particular, the device is equipped with a loudspeaker. Eight firing devices are mounted on the sides.
The Dyma-2 firing device is a cylinder with 10 barrels chambered for 5,45×39mm cartridges. There are no automatic or reloading mechanisms, and ammunition is manually replenished during maintenance. Thus, eight blocks of 10 barrels each provide a total of 80 barrels, or 80 shots before manual reloading. Fire can be delivered in single shots, bursts, or volleys, achieving high density. The effective firing range is 150 meters.
The removal of automatic fire and detachable magazines appears to be a deliberate compromise, not an oversight. For a system designed for long-term autonomous operation, the simplicity of the design ensures reliability and fault tolerance, albeit at the cost of the inability to quickly reload in combat.
The "Dym-2" is connected to the control station via cables. A single operator can control up to 16 combat modules. The modules and the control station can be separated by several kilometers. The operator receives video feeds from both cameras and thermal imagers, monitors the modules, and directs fire.
Firing device with 5,45 mm barrels
The system's development took into account the need for long-term standby operations without the constant presence of personnel at the module itself. It is remotely controlled by an operator, and maintenance is required only twice a year. The firing devices can be reloaded if necessary.
On duty
The operating principles and application of the "Dym-2" fire alarm system are quite simple. The duty operator, using all standard equipment, monitors the perimeter of the facility. Upon detecting an intruder, the operator raises the corresponding combat module to its combat position. A loudspeaker on the module can be used to issue a warning.
If the intruder doesn't listen, there's still the option of firing at him. A salvo of eighty 5,45mm caliber guns poses a significant threat to foot saboteurs. Other target types, such as aerial ones, were apparently not considered at the time the system was developed.
The "Dym-2" system does not operate autonomously. It is controlled by an operator and is integrated into the overall security and protection system. Therefore, if a difficult situation arises, the operator can call for reinforcements with armored vehicles and more powerful weaponry.
Operator at work
In a new role
Nevertheless, there are proposals to expand the range of missions. For example, according to proposals that emerged in 2024, the "Dym-2" modules could be mounted on self-propelled chassis, such as armored personnel carriers. The resulting self-propelled gun, as the authors of the idea suggest, could enhance Defense and help in the fight against unmanned aerial vehicles aviation the adversary.
The Dym-2 SDUH does indeed have several features that, in theory, could be useful in combating UAVs: a caliber suitable for engaging light targets, a high rate of fire and fire density, as well as a high degree of automation of control and guidance and the ability to integrate with various detection systems.
However, a number of the system's features result in serious drawbacks in its air defense role. The main one, manual reloading, is particularly noticeable: after expending its ammunition, the Smoke-2 loses combat effectiveness for a long time. This can be compensated for by operating several systems simultaneously, but such a setup complicates defense. Equally important are the limitations on the effective range. The effective range of 150 meters is extremely short for interception. drones, and the 5,45×39mm cartridge has a short vertical reach. Finally, the system's optical-electronic systems were designed for ground targets at the perimeter, not high-speed airborne targets.
Against this background, specialized anti-aircraft weapons appear preferable for combating UAVs. artillery short-range complexes or systems EW, originally designed for use against air targets. The Dym-2 is inferior to them in the air defense role in its overall performance, and refitting such a system for an unrelated role is unlikely to yield any benefits.
Overall, the Dym-2 is a specialized system, created for a specific customer and solving a narrow range of tasks. This is why it fully meets the needs of the Strategic Missile Forces; and since there are many similar protected facilities, the system has become quite widespread. However, according to the author, its transfer to other areas is difficult or impractical. Therefore, it can be expected that the Strategic Missile Forces will continue to operate the Dym-2 and other security systems, acquiring additional ones if necessary, while the air defense system will develop with other, more specialized models. This separation of tasks allows for better results in both facility protection and air defense.
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