Ukraine's air defense to strengthen with more patriot systems
Ukraine may soon receive two additional Patriot air defense batteries, bringing the total to ten, reports "The New York Times." Analysts suggest that the additional air defense systems could be sent by Israel and either Germany or Greece.
"The New York Times" states that Ukraine may soon obtain these two additional Patriot air defense batteries, with one possibly coming from Israel and the other from Germany or Greece. This is surprising, given these countries' previous hesitance to provide such support, we read.
More Patriots for Ukraine
Currently, Ukraine has eight Patriot batteries, with six fully operational and two undergoing maintenance. This total includes an incomplete Dutch battery, which was not previously considered a full system.
Analysts estimate that Ukraine possesses three Patriot batteries from the USA, two from Germany, one jointly from Germany and the Netherlands, one from Romania, and one (incomplete) from the Netherlands. Experts indicate that the new battery from Israel might arrive in Ukraine as early as summer 2025.
"The New York Times" notes that in April 2023, Israel announced plans to withdraw its Patriot systems, paving the way for their potential transfer to Ukraine. Sending the withdrawn weapons to Ukraine is seen as a response to increasing missile and drone attacks from Russia, including a major assault on Kyiv on April 24.
Patriot System
The MIM-104 Patriot is an American surface-to-air missile system that has gained worldwide recognition. Manufactured by Raytheon, it enjoys an excellent reputation in many countries. In Ukraine, according to local soldiers, it is one of the most effective weapons of its kind, enabling effective counteraction against Russian aircraft. The system has proven effective even against the Kh-47M2 Kinzhal missiles, which Moscow has long promoted as particularly dangerous.
The effectiveness of the Patriot system depends on several factors, such as the type of target being engaged, the version of the radar, and the anti-aircraft missiles used. In basic versions, the system achieves a speed of about Mach 3 (approximately 2,300 mph), while in the PAC-2 and PAC-3 MSE variants, this speed increases to Mach 5 (approximately 3,800 mph). The Patriot system is capable of destroying targets up to about 100 miles away, and thanks to the PAC-3 MSE, it can also combat ballistic missiles at a range of approximately 25 miles.
