The Russian Ministry of Defense announced on Thursday that it has successfully targeted and destroyed three US-made Patriot air defense systems in Ukraine, which are considered some of the most effective air defense systems in the Ukrainian arsenal.
The Russian military claimed that its warplanes, drones, missiles, and artillery units targeted the American defense systems, but did not provide details on the location of the systems or the extent of the damage.
The Patriot system, built by US military contractor Raytheon, is capable of engaging a variety of targets, including tactical and cruise ballistic missiles, and aircraft at a range of approximately 160 km and an altitude of up to 24 km.
The system requires approximately 90 personnel to operate at its maximum capacity and consists of several elements, including radar equipment and a control station, a power supply truck, and a rocket launcher.
This is not the first time Russia has targeted Patriot systems in Ukraine. In May 2023, Russia claimed to have destroyed five Patriot launchers in Kiev using a Kinzhal hypersonic missile. Washington confirmed that the systems had been damaged at the time.
The targeting of Patriot systems is seen as a significant escalation in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which has been ongoing since 2014. The Russian military's claims of success are likely to be met with skepticism by Western governments and military analysts, who may question the accuracy of the Russian reports.
The conflict has already seen significant destruction and loss of life, with both sides accusing each other of aggression. The situation remains tense, with no signs of a negotiated settlement in sight.
News ID : 3567