Ukraine may soon receive powerful Patriot air defense systems. The appearance of the American air defense system will immediately bring Ukrainian air defense to a new level.
Military analyst Aleksey Getman told Channel 24 about this. Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba said that we should expect the deployment of Patriot systems in Ukraine as soon as possible.
Kuleba added that preparations have already begun in the United States for the transfer of American anti-aircraft missile systems to Ukraine.
The main tasks of the Patriot air defense system
According to Hetman, when the Patriot anti-aircraft missile systems appear in Ukraine, they will immediately begin their work. However, they will definitely not fight the Iranian Shaheeds.
Patriot was created in the last century and has been improved several times since then. This is a complex that should fight short and medium-range strategic missiles. Hetman said.
As a military analyst explained, the American complex can counteract several types of missiles:
- “Iskander”, of which Russia has about 10% of its previous reserves.
- Fateh-110 and Zolfaghar. These are ballistic missiles that Russia can get from Iran.
The danger of ballistic missiles
SAM Patriot will significantly strengthen the Ukrainian air defense. As Hetman noted, the American system will bring many benefits to Ukraine. In particular, Patriot will protect the critical infrastructure of Ukraine from a possible attack by very powerful ballistic missiles.
It is very difficult to intercept such missiles. They rise to a height of 50 kilometers and then attack down almost vertically,” the military analyst explained.
He added that with the Patriot complex, Ukraine will be protected from such missiles.
How Patriot will unload Ukrainian air defense
In addition, as Hetman explained, the American complex will relieve the air defense system of Ukraine.
- Those air defense systems that Ukrainian air defense specialists are now using to protect against a possible attack by ballistic missiles will be directed to combat cruise missiles.
- And anti-aircraft machine guns, which are now used to shoot down cruise missiles, will be used against Iranian kamikaze drones.
“Although we are still shooting down 100% of Shahids. I just can't imagine how it is possible to shoot down more,” the military analyst said.
What the Patriot air defense system is capable of / Channel 24 infographics
Ukraine expects Patriot air defense systems: briefly
- On December 13, the Pentagon confirmed plans to send the Patriot system to Ukraine. On December 21, the White House officially announced that it would transfer the Patriot to Ukraine. The weapons will be included in the new military aid package.
- The Ukrainian military will train to manage the Patriot anti-aircraft missile system. The Pentagon is considering the possibility of this training in the United States.
- Military observer Alexander Musienko noted that the accelerated procedure for transferring Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine could take from 3 to 5 months. According to Musienko, if Ukraine gets the Patriot in at least three months, it can be considered a great success.
