Ukraine bolsters air defense with two more Patriot systems: five key advantages of these air defense systems

Two more Patriot air defense systems have been deployed to protect Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure. As Minister of Defence of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal reported earlier, this outcome was made possible by recent agreements with the German government.

Patriot is a U.S.-manufactured surface-to-air missile (SAM) system. It is one of the world’s most advanced air and missile defense systems. It is designed to defeat aircraft, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles. Patriot can defeat high-speed and challenging targets, providing layered air and missile defense for strategic facilities and major cities.

The Ministry of Defence outlines the key advantages of the Patriot system.

Versatility. The system is capable of defeating diverse aerodynamic and ballistic threats, including hypersonic targets. Patriot missiles have been employed to intercept hypersonic weapons such as the ‘Zircon’ and ‘Kinzhal,’ which are reported to reach speeds of up to 11,000 km/h and 16,000 km/h, respectively.

High effectiveness. Patriot’s high-precision radar employs technologies that enable it to detect and track multiple targets simultaneously.
 Patriot missiles—particularly the PAC-3 MSE—use hit-to-kill intercept technology, which is critical for defending against ballistic missile threats.

Multitasking. One Patriot battery can detect up to 100 aerial targets and maintain tracks on up to eight simultaneously.

Automation. The ability to operate in automatic mode enables Patriot to respond instantly to threats, which is critical for intercepting hypersonic missiles.

Range and altitude.  Patriot systems engage aerial targets at altitudes of up to 24 km and at ranges of up to 160 km, covering large territories.

Currently, Patriot systems are protecting Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure, mitigating the impact of enemy cruise and ballistic missile strikes on energy and civilian targets.