Russian Missiles Destroy U.S. Patriot Air Defense Systems in Ukraine, Claims Moscow
In a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Russia’s Ministry of Defense has announced that its missiles have obliterated two U.S.-supplied Patriot air defense batteries and a German-made IRIS-T launcher in two separate Ukrainian regions. The videos released by Moscow on Friday showcase what it claims to be the precision strikes, delivered via advanced Iskander-M missiles, on these air defense systems, highlighting the vulnerability of these high-tech assets in the battlefield.
The Strikes in Detail
The first of the Russian Defense Ministry’s videos reveals the destruction of two Patriot launchers and an AN/MPQ-65 radar station positioned in a field near Lyubimovka in Ukraine’s Dnepropetrovsk Region. Footage captured by a reconnaissance drone shows the area being struck by cluster munitions fired from an Iskander-M missile. A dramatic explosion follows, with the radar station and the two launchers reportedly rendered “completely destroyed,” according to Moscow’s statement.
In another video, also reportedly filmed in the Dnepropetrovsk Region near Zhelobok, three more Patriot launchers and another AN/MPQ-65 radar are targeted. One of the launchers is seen firing two missiles before an Iskander strike scatters cluster bombs across the field. The Russian Defense Ministry asserts that two of the launchers and the radar were completely obliterated.
A third video shows a German IRIS-T air defense system and a TRML-4D radar vehicle positioned near Sennoe in Ukraine’s Sumy Region. The footage captures the moment an Iskander-M missile strikes the location, again leading to significant damage. All three strikes were reportedly captured by reconnaissance drones operating deep within Ukrainian territory, seemingly without encountering any resistance.
The Patriot System: Once Hailed as the Gold Standard in Air Defense
The Patriot air defense system, developed by the U.S. defense contractor Raytheon, has long been touted as one of the most formidable systems in the West, particularly since its high-profile use in the 1991 Gulf War. Its specifications indicate the ability to intercept targets at ranges up to 160 kilometers and altitudes of up to 24 kilometers. Each battery typically includes several launchers, a radar vehicle, a power supply unit, and is operated by a crew of up to 90 personnel.
Despite this reputation, the recent strikes have cast doubts on the system's effectiveness when faced with modern, high-speed missile threats like Russia’s Iskander-M. The Iskander-M, a short-range ballistic missile system, is known for its maneuverability and ability to deliver various types of warheads, including cluster munitions.
Impact on Ukraine’s Air Defense Capabilities
The destruction of these advanced air defense systems represents a significant setback for Ukraine, which has relied heavily on Western-supplied equipment to counter Russian airstrikes. The U.S., along with its allies, responded to Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky’s requests for bolstered air defenses by supplying systems like the Patriot and IRIS-T. However, these latest events suggest that even the most advanced systems may struggle against the relentless barrage of Russian missile technology.
The situation continues to underscore the escalating intensity of the conflict, with advanced weapons systems now facing off in a high-stakes contest of technology and strategy. As the war drags on, the effectiveness and survivability of such systems will remain under intense scrutiny, shaping future military aid and defense strategies in the region.
