Shooting down Su-34s and intercepting Kinzhal and Zircon missiles: why Patriot missiles are critical and what types are used
The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine is working with partners to accelerate the delivery of missiles to the Armed Forces of Ukraine for U.S.-made MIM-104 Patriot surface-to-air missile systems, which have demonstrated the highest effectiveness among both foreign and Ukrainian surface-to-air missile systems.
In particular, acting on instructions from the President, the Ukrainian side reached agreements with several European partners at a recent Ramstein-format meeting on the urgent provision of Patriot missiles from their stockpiles.
The Ministry of Defence explains why these missiles are critical, what types exist, and which targets they destroy.
Why Patriot missiles are critical
At a Ramstein-format meeting, Ukraine’s Minister of Defence, Mykhailo Fedorov, emphasized that PAC-3 missiles for Patriot systems are the most effective means against russian ballistic threats.
“Earlier today, russia conducted one of its largest ballistic attacks on Ukraine, launching more than 24 missiles. The most effective means of countering ballistic threats are PAC-3 missiles for Patriot systems. We urgently need ballistic intercept capabilities, as russia is seeking to destroy our critical infrastructure this winter,” the Defence Minister emphasized.
In addition, Mykhailo Fedorov emphasized the importance of increasing contributions to the PURL initiative, through which Ukraine receives PAC-3 and other critical interceptor missiles.
It is also worth noting that since the onset of russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine, Patriot systems have destroyed nearly all known types of aerial targets. These include Su-34 supersonic fighter-bombers, Kh-101 and Kh-555 strategic air-launched cruise missiles, Kalibr cruise missiles, Kh-47M2 Kinzhal aeroballistic missiles, and the latest Zircon hypersonic missiles, among others.
Types of Patriot missiles
The Patriot systems employ three types of missiles.
PAC-2 are the first-generation Patriot missiles. They employ high-explosive fragmentation warheads that detonate in front of aerial targets, generating a fragment cloud. These missiles are effective against aerodynamic targets, including aircraft and cruise missiles, and are capable of engaging aircraft at altitudes of up to 24 km and ranges of up to 160 km.
PAC-3 CRI are highly maneuverable interceptor missiles. They achieve high velocity and directly impact targets, employing a kinetic hit-to-kill (HTK) principle. These missiles are effective against hypersonic aeroballistic targets and are capable of intercepting them at altitudes of up to 20 km and ranges of up to 40 km.
PAC-3 MSE are the latest and most effective interceptor missiles, featuring an improved motor and high maneuverability. They likewise employ a kinetic hit-to-kill (HTK) principle, while offering better flight performance and greater maneuverability. PAC-3 MSE missiles are capable of intercepting ballistic targets at altitudes of up to 24 km and ranges of up to 60 km.
As a reminder, representatives of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine recently met with a delegation from the U.S. company RTX, which manufactures the Patriot air defense system. The talks focused on accelerating missile deliveries for these systems and on developing domestic technical capabilities to maintain advanced Western weaponry directly in Ukraine.
In January, the Ministry of Defence reported that Ukraine had acquired two additional Patriot systems. It also outlined five key advantages of these air defense systems.