Metinvest Equips Patriot Air Defence System with Advanced Protective Armour in Ukraine

Ukrainian industrial giant Metinvest Group has taken a significant step in strengthening the country’s defence capabilities by equipping the Patriot surface-to-air missile (SAM) system with cutting-edge protective armour. This breakthrough is part of Rinat Akhmetov’s Steel Front defence initiative, which focuses on enhancing military hardware to counter threats during the ongoing conflict.

Advanced Armour for the Patriot System

Metinvest’s engineering team recently mounted the first armour shield on an operational Patriot air defence control module. This armour, crafted from high-grade Ukrainian steel, is designed to provide enhanced protection against shrapnel and fragmentation. By safeguarding the crew and critical components of the Patriot system, the armour ensures uninterrupted functionality during combat.

The protective shield is constructed from 30KhN2MA-grade steel, renowned for its toughness and resistance to wear. Comprising nearly 200 steel plates, each up to 8 mm thick, the armour weighs over 2.6 tonnes. Despite its robust build, the shield is engineered to maintain the Patriot system’s full mobility and operational efficiency, a feat achieved through meticulous design and engineering.

Broader Contributions to Ukraine’s Military

Metinvest’s contributions extend beyond the Patriot system. The company has delivered over 300 steel screens for a variety of military vehicles, including T-64 and T-72 tanks, M1 Abrams tanks, and Bradley infantry fighting vehicles. Preparations are also underway to implement similar protective solutions for Leopard 2 tanks.

These innovations are not just about shielding military hardware; they are also a lifeline for Ukraine’s armed forces, significantly increasing survivability in hostile environments.

A Swift and Focused Response

According to Oleksandr Myronenko, Chief Operating Officer of Metinvest, the project to develop and deploy the Patriot system’s armour was completed in a remarkable six weeks. He highlighted the importance of such innovations, stating, “This shield ensures the safety of both the air defence crew and the control system. Reliable protection is vital for our defenders.”

The Steel Front Initiative

Since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Metinvest has channelled its resources into bolstering national defence through the Steel Front initiative. To date, the company has allocated UAH 4.4 billion to support the military, supplying protective equipment, fortification materials, and advanced engineering solutions.

The addition of protective armour to the Patriot SAM system demonstrates Metinvest’s ability to adapt its industrial expertise to meet the urgent needs of national defence. By combining innovation with rapid execution, the company has proven to be an invaluable partner in Ukraine’s fight to secure its sovereignty.

The Patriot System: Specifications

The Patriot surface-to-air missile system, developed by Raytheon, is a key asset in Ukraine’s air defence arsenal. Known for its ability to counter advanced aerial threats, the system is equipped with:

• Phased-array radar capable of tracking over 100 targets simultaneously.
• PAC-3 missiles designed for high-speed, precision engagement of ballistic missiles, aircraft, and drones.
• A modular design allowing integration of control modules, launchers, and radar systems to optimize mobility.
• An effective range of up to 160 km for aircraft and 60 km for tactical ballistic missiles.

By adding Metinvest’s armour to the mix, the Patriot system’s resilience in high-risk environments is further enhanced, ensuring it remains a pivotal component of Ukraine’s defensive strategy.

A Symbol of Resilience

Metinvest’s efforts symbolize the synergy between industrial innovation and military resilience. As the conflict continues, such advancements not only strengthen Ukraine’s defensive capabilities but also inspire confidence in the nation’s ability to withstand and overcome challenges. With initiatives like the Steel Front and partnerships with the military, Metinvest is playing a crucial role in safeguarding Ukraine’s future.