President Donald Trump has declared that Ukraine will receive Patriot missile systems in a new weapons package. This announcement follows ongoing nightly bombardments of Ukrainian cities by Russia. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has consistently sought these systems in recent weeks due to the unprecedented volume of drones and missiles being launched by Moscow against Ukraine.
The Patriots, short for Phased Array Tracking Radar for Intercept on Target, serve as the US Army’s top missile defense system. Recently, they successfully intercepted 13 of 14 Iranian missiles aimed at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. The latest models can target short-range ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones at altitudes of 15km and distances of 35km.
A single Patriot battery can defend an area of 100 to 200 square kilometers, influenced by factors like terrain and the number of launchers. This coverage is limited compared to Ukraine’s vast 603,000 square kilometers. Each battery includes six to eight missile launchers, each with up to 16 interceptors, along with a phased-array radar system, control station, and power generation unit, all mounted on trucks and trailers.
The total cost of a Patriot battery surpasses $1 billion, as reported by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). Each interceptor costs around $4 million, complicating their deployment against low-cost Russian drones. US officials suggest that Patriots could be swiftly transferred from European NATO allies to Ukraine, with replacements funded by these nations’ purchases.
The “Military Balance 2025” report by the International Institute for Strategic Studies states that six NATO allies—Germany, Greece, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, and Spain—possess Patriot batteries. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte noted that several nations could supply new equipment, but concerns exist about US Patriot inventory limitations.
Ukraine has sought 10 additional Patriot batteries to bolster its defense against Russian missile and drone assaults. Thus far, Kyiv has acquired six operational units—two from the US, two from Germany, one from Romania, and one from Germany and the Netherlands collectively. Analysts indicate that the Patriots alone are insufficient to halt Russia’s invasion, according to CNN.
Sources News From Various Digital Platforms, Websites, Journalists, And Agencies.
Leave a Reply