The 96K6 Pantsir ('Carapace') is the most modern Russian self-propelled anti-aircraft gun and missile system currently in service, designed to defend high-value targets as well as more vulneable longer-range SAM systems like the S-300 and S-400. In contrast to its predecessors, the Pantsir adopted a wheeled chassis based on a KamAZ-6560 8 x 8 transporter which gave improved road performance and ease of maintenance; a number of systems were installed on the tracked GM-352 chassis (the same as used on its 2K22 predecessor) as well. The turret of the Pantsir has a similar layout to that of the 2K22, retaining the two 30-mm externally-mounted 2A38M autocannon which has similar performance against air and ground targets, achieving a maximum range of 4 km. Next to each gun are twin triple launch tubes for the 57E6 (SA-22) surface-to-air missiles which are arranged vertically; each triple launcher can elevate independently. The missiles have a ceiling of 15 km and engagement range of 20 km. The Radar system consists of a dual waveband tracking radar mounted at the front of the turret and a target acquisition radar mounted on the roof, these provide detection and tracking ranges of up to 36 km and 28 respectively. There is also electro-optic guidance and up to two targets (four in later versions) can be engaged at the same time. Up to six vehicles can be coordinated with the use of a command post. Following a long development time due to lack of post-Cold War funding, the Pantsir entered service in the early 2010 and has been used in combat in Libya (under UAE use) and Syria, although reliability has been questioned due to a number of them being destroyed in Ukraine. It has been exported to around a dozen countries with large orders coming from Algeria, Iraq, Syria, and the UAE.

Development of the 96K6 Pantsir began in 1990 with the first prototype ready in 1994. However, lack of funds delayed testing and production until the next decade and it was not ready for service until 2012. The initial production variant is designated Pantsir-S1 and this was followed by an upgraded version known as the Pantsir-S1M which has an upgraded radar which can engage up to four targets, and carries a more advanced 57E6M missile with a longer 30 km engagement range. Further radar upgrades resulted in the Pantsir-S2 (-S2E for export) while the Pantsir-SM adds a multi-functional targeting station and increased engagement range to 40 km. A ship-based CIWS variant is known as the Pantsir-M (-ME for export) and is expected to replace existing Kortik/Kashtan systems.