Ukraine's Call for More Patriot Defense Systems Amid Russian Threats

Ukraine's Foreign Minister, Dmytro Kuleba, has urgently called on Western allies for enhanced support, emphasizing the critical need for additional air defense systems, particularly Patriot missiles. "Give us those damn Patriots. If we had enough air defense systems, specifically Patriots, we could shield not just lives but our economy from devastation," he stated in a Politico interview.

### Ukraine Requests More Patriot Launchers

The chief diplomat highlighted the severe challenge posed by Russian forces, who are increasingly deploying guided bombs. Analysts at DeepState have underscored that the Ukrainian military is essentially defenseless against this threat. Countermeasures largely include F-16 fighters and top-tier air defense systems, with an explicit call for American Patriots.

The anticipated arrival of the first F-16s in Ukraine is set for this summer. Patriot battery systems, courtesy of Germany and the USA, have already been stationed at the front lines, demonstrating significant effectiveness. However, their numbers are lacking. Official data counts only three batteries, though unofficial reports suggest as many as five. Moreover, Russian forces have already managed to destroy some of the launchers within these systems.

"We need air defense systems on the front lines to prevent losing ground," Kuleba insisted.

The Patriot, a ground-to-air missile system developed by Raytheon, delivers both anti-aircraft and missile defense capabilities. It consists of a command post, radar, and launchers mounted on a mobile platform, offering high mobility. The combat in Ukraine has revealed this is just one of many benefits.

Frederick Mertens, an analyst from the Hague Centre for Strategic Studies, told Business Insider that the Patriot systems' operation in Ukraine has been a "clear triumph," notably for their ability to intercept Russian missiles and aircraft.

Capable of engaging a variety of targets, the Patriot can neutralize aircraft, helicopters, maneuvering missiles, and ballistic missiles. Its engagement ceiling reaches approximately 82,021 feet, with a range of up to 99 miles, although this varies based on the target type and the specific missiles employed. The system utilizes fragmentation warheads weighing 198 lbs for most missiles, while advanced variants are armed with kinetic warheads.