The Patriot air defense system remains one of the most widely operated and reliable systems of its kind.
As Russia’s invasion of Ukraine rages on, Kyiv continues to bolster its air defense capabilities via primarily Western deliveries. From main battle tanks and fighter jets to unmanned aerial vehicles and other munitions, Ukraine has received billions of dollars’ worth of military equipment since the onset of the war back in February 2022. While cumulatively these additional defense measures have strengthened Kyiv’s fight along the front lines, the nation’s recent delivery of additional Patriot air defense systems will undoubtedly aid its war efforts. And just this week, German Patriot systems have finally arrived in Ukraine.
As noted by Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the American-made air defense system will directly help the country protect against Russia’s frequent barrages. In fact, Zelenskyy has previously asserted that the advanced Patriot systems represent Kyiv’s most formidable defense against Russian missiles. However, decreasing stockpiles and other limitations have slowed the delivery of Patriot systems to Ukraine in recent months.
“I thank Germany and personally Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz for this joint step to protect human lives from Russian terror,” Zelenskyy said, referring to the delivery, adding that “For some time, we have been preparing this reinforcement of our air defense, and now the agreements reached have been implemented.” Over the summer, NATO’s top commander announced that a previous delivery of Patriot missile systems to Ukraine was underway. In total, Kyiv possesses at least half a dozen functioning Patriot air defense batteries. The addition of two more delivered by Germany over the next few months will greatly boost Ukraine’s defensive strategy.
Introducing the Patriot
The Patriot system was initially introduced for American troops as a SCUD-killing interceptor during the 1990s Gulf War. Designed to supersede its HAWK and Nike Hercules predecessors in capability, the Phased Array Tracking Radar to Intercept on Target (Patriot) has certainly lived up to expectations. In fact, the cutting-edge air defense system remains one of the most widely operated and reliable systems of its kind. The platform is operated by Germany, Japan, Israel, Saudi Arabia, the Netherlands, Taiwan, South Korea, Sweden, Bahrain, Poland, Qatar, Romania, Spain, and the United Arab Emirates. As detailed by the Missile Defense Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, the Patriot system is comprised of six primary components: missile, launcher, radar set, control station, power generator unit, and high-frequency antenna mast. The newest iteration of the Patriot is able to engage incoming missiles, drones, and other projectiles at altitudes reaching up to 9.2 miles and over distances covering nearly 22 miles.
How Will Ukraine Benefit?
Considering the Patriot’s coverage and reputation as an unmatched air defense system, Ukraine’s desire for more makes sense. Just last week, Moscow bombarded Ukrainian cities with more than 700 missiles and drones in a complex overnight attack. One month prior, Moscow launched its largest barrage targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and populated cities with a staggering 800-plus missiles and drones. Although the Patriot air defense system is not infallible, more systems will help Kyiv defend itself from future Russian-launched attacks.
About the Author: Maya Carlin
Maya Carlin, National Security Writer with The National Interest, is an analyst with the Center for Security Policy and a former Anna Sobol Levy Fellow at IDC Herzliya in Israel. She has by-lines in many publications, including The National Interest, Jerusalem Post, and Times of Israel. You can follow her on Twitter: @MayaCarlin. Carlin has over 1,000 articles published over the last several years on various defense issues.
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