Russian miss hits wooden decoy, mistaking it for Patriot launcher
The Russian army claimed it had destroyed another Patriot missile launcher in Ukraine, quickly sharing a video of a missile striking the supposed target with an Iskander missile online. However, sharp-eyed observers soon realized that the Patriot system was not quite what it seemed, dealing a disappointing blow to Russian pride.
6:59 AM EDT, May 11, 2024
The conflict in Ukraine is not only a conventional war, but also a battle of narratives waged on the internet. Both parties are eager to present their perspective, making this the most thoroughly documented conflict in history.
Russian media is working overtime to convince its audience that Russia remains the "second army in the world," highlighting its supposed achievements on the battlefield.
The latest video, showcased with much pride by Russia, appeared to demonstrate the destruction of a highly valuable Patriot missile launcher, equipped with an AN/MPQ-65 radar. Yet, discerning viewers quickly noted discrepancies with the so-called "Patriot."
The "Patriot system" hit by Russians was actually a wooden decoy
In reality, the Russians had targeted and destroyed wooden dummies set up by Ukrainians as decoys. Crafted from wood and cleverly painted, these fakes were meant to mislead the Russians. The ruse proved entirely successful.
The Russians wasted a missile on an empty field, striking a wooden replica with an Iskander missile. Had they hit an actual Patriot system, including its radar, the financial loss for Ukraine could have been in the millions of dollars, with potential damages escalating to tens of millions depending on the inventory.
Cost analysis of the Russo-Ukrainian war's spoils
Ukraine's losses amounted to a few wooden decoys, while Russia expended an Iskander missile, priced at a minimum of three million dollars, becoming the subject of ridicule for claiming to have "taken down a Patriot system."
