Brief version of the news
- The complex and launcher of the Patriot air defense system are different. The complex includes about 13 objects, including launchers. The launcher is only part of the complex.
- Ukraine has increased its defensive capabilities with high-tech weapons and drones that can perform the functions of the F-16.
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmitry Kuleba called on our partners to provide us with at least 5 – 7 more Patriot systems. After all, there are more than 100 complexes in the world that could protect Ukrainian cities from massive Russian attacks, gathering dust.
However, it is important to note that between the complexes and launchers there is a big difference. These concepts are often confused. Therefore, the difference between the complex and the launcher of the Patriot air defense system was explained on air by 24 Channel aviation expert Konstantin Krivolap.
Complex and installation are not the same thing
The complex includes a command vehicle, a vehicle with a locator, a transport vehicle, a diesel generator, launchers, and the like. There are about 13 objects in total. That is, the launcher is one of the elements of the Patriot complex.
The concept of a complex is quite often confused with an installation. There are approximately 4 to 8 times more of the latter in the world than complexes,” noted the aviation expert.
According to him, modern powerful locators that can perform functions for ballistic interception, actually a little. There are only a small number of Patriot air defense systems in Europe. They mostly rely on launcher numbers. For example, in Greece there are approximately 36 launchers and 6 – 7 complexes.
Partners could exchange or lease complexes to Ukraine, but this is not happening. According to an aviation expert, this is not part of the plans of either Germany or the United States.
How Ukraine's capabilities are growing
Now some partners are against Ukraine's entry into NATO. In particular, the USA and Germany. This became such a powerful wake-up call that we need to rely on ourselves.
High-tech weapons of our own production have appeared in Ukraine, which are capable of causing destruction. In particular, for the Shahedov production plants and refineries in Tatarstan, which is located 1,300 kilometers from Ukraine. Ukraine has no restrictions on the use of these weapons from its partners. the possibilities of impression have increased significantly. If you look at what we are now doing at sea and in the air, then this is an asymmetrical war that has begun to take place,” added Krivolap.
Ukraine's calls to strengthen air defense
- Russia continues to terrorize Ukrainians with massive shelling. The Ukrainian Air Force needs more air defense systems to protect the population. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba met with foreign colleagues and asked them for help.
- In particular, Kuleba spoke with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. After the conversation, he thanked the US Secretary of State for immediately taking action in response to the call for Patriot systems.
- President Volodymyr Zelensky also recently asked Kyiv's allies to provide Ukraine with the latest air defense systems. According to him, during March 2024, Russia fired more than 400 missiles of various types, more than 600 Shaheds and more than 3,000 KAB into Ukraine.
