Russian missile misses the mark: Patriot system stands resilient
Russian hunt for Patriot systems used by Ukraine continues relentlessly. This is evidenced by photos from Google Maps, published on the X platform. According to experts in open-source intelligence, they show a Patriot missile launcher at Zhuliany International Airport in Kyiv, with a crater from a Russian missile strike located just 50 metres away.
The photo showing the Russian "failure" is said to be from the end of September 2023, but experts in open-source intelligence have only recently noticed it. It shows that the Russian missile did not hit the intended target, which was the Ukrainian Patriot system launcher. The outcome was just a massive crater about 50 metres from the weapon. The launcher itself was likely not damaged. It was protected from potential fragment impacts by embankments built around it.
Patriot systems in Ukraine
The Patriot systems have been operating in Ukraine since April 2023. Germany, the Netherlands, and the United States provided these solutions. This modern American surface-to-air missile system has repeatedly proven its effectiveness, particularly in countering threats from long-range missiles and rockets that Russia regularly fires at Ukrainian territory. The main task of the Patriot system is detecting, intercepting, and destroying incoming missiles, projectiles, and aircraft and loitering munitions before they reach their intended target.
Depending on the type of anti-aircraft missiles used, the Patriot system can neutralize targets up to 160 kilometres from the launch site. For example, the PAC-3 version, equipped with hit-to-kill ERINT technology, uses kinetic energy to destroy targets and can intercept modern ballistic missiles within a range of up to 35 kilometres. This feature helps avoid destruction directly over populated areas, minimizing risks associated with debris from intercepted missiles.
Each system battery provided to Ukraine, including the latest PAC-3+ with significantly greater capabilities, constitutes an essential defensive element. These systems can shoot down ballistic missiles and guided glide bombs, making them extremely valuable in defending against the opponent's technological superiority. Thanks to the Patriot systems, Ukrainian defence has neutralized Russian Kinzhal hypersonic missiles, previously considered nearly indestructible. Such successes demonstrate the importance of modern defensive technologies in stopping Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities.
