Russian strike falls for Ukrainian decoy, misses Patriot system
The Russian military published a recording that supposedly shows the destruction of a Ukrainian Patriot system. In reality, it was a clever trick by the opponent, and the missile struck a realistic mock-up.
The war in Ukraine continues, and unfortunately, there is no end in sight. Ukraine would not be able to handle this fight without the support of Western weaponry. These are often very costly systems; their destruction would be a significant loss.
To protect these valuable assets, Ukrainians use a clever tactic to set up mock-ups resembling authentic weaponry. These actions aim to mislead the opponent and divert their attention from the actual equipment.
Big mistake by the Russians
The Russian military published a recording that supposedly shows the destruction of a Ukrainian Patriot system using the Korean ballistic missile KN-23 (which is equivalent to the Russian Iskander-M missile).
In reality, it was another opponent trick. As military analyst and expert Jarosław Wolski explained, the Russians hit mock-ups of the Patriot system. Indications include the poor arrangement of the individual elements of the system and the lack of secondary explosions.
The Ukrainians, however, are not always so lucky. Military analyst and expert Dawid Kamizela pointed out a recording likely showing a successful attack on components of the Patriot fire unit in the Dnipropetrovsk region. The Russians supposedly destroyed a communication vehicle, AMG. Fortunately, this time, they did not manage to kill the launcher.
Why are Patriots so valuable to Ukraine?
The Patriot air defence system has become one of the critical elements of military support for Ukraine. Its advanced technological capabilities and effectiveness in defending against aerial threats make it crucial in protecting the country.
The Patriot air defence system, developed by the American company Raytheon, is an advanced solution that has proven effective on the battlefield. Equipped with the AN/MPQ-65 radar, the Patriot system can simultaneously track up to 100 targets, making it highly effective in intense combat. The Patriot system has significantly contributed to protecting cities and infrastructure from aerial attacks.
The basic configuration of the Patriot system includes launchers, command posts, and a phased-array radar. The system's mobility allows for rapid deployment and adaptation to changing front-line conditions, which is crucial for Ukraine's effective defence. This also explains why the system is a priority target for the Russians.
