[AmericanExceptionalist]

Another theory gaining ground yesterday was that Israel was deliberately attacking the Russian-made Pantsyr air defence system recently bought by Damascus.

The term "Pantsyr" is uncomfortably close to Panzer--as in Nazi Germany's Panzer Division--for my taste.

Granted, it is possible that the Russian "Pantsyr" is simply a transliteration from a common root. But given the baggage with which the German word Panzer is now freighted, it would probably be appropriate for those with any sensitivity to avoid it altogether.

Did I say "sensitivity"?

Come to think of it, that probably goes a long way toward explaining why the Russians are not at all bashful about using the word...

[Codename - Ron Benjamin]

“Granted, it is possible that the Russian “Pantsyr” is simply a transliteration from a common root.”

You’re right - both come from “armored”. Unusual name for an AAM, though.