Russia Enhances Missile Arsenal: A Challenge for Ukraine’s Patriot Systems?

Russia has significantly upgraded its missile capabilities, making it increasingly difficult for Ukraine’s air defense systems, particularly US-made Patriot missiles, to intercept incoming threats, Financial Times reported on October 2.

Ukrainian and Western officials revealed that Moscow’s missiles, including the Iskander-M and Kinzhal, are now executing evasive maneuvers to bypass Ukraine’s defenses.

In recent months, Russia’s missile campaign has intensified, with missiles following typical flight paths before diverting into steep terminal dives or performing rapid maneuvers that confuse Patriot interceptors.

This shift is seen as a response to Ukraine’s growing ability to intercept Russian missiles, which had previously been shot down at a much higher rate in the summer, before interception rates dropped sharply in September, Financial Times writes.

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War in Ukraine

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Despite these advancements, Ukraine’s air force continues to rely on its air defense systems, including the Patriot batteries, to fend off Russian strikes. The evolving missile technology, however, is challenging Ukraine’s defenses, particularly with slower deliveries of interceptors from Western partners.

As Russia refines its missile technology, Western defense officials are working to update Patriot systems, but these improvements have struggled to keep pace with Moscow’s advancements. Ukrainian officials continue to call for more support from Western allies, stressing that Russia’s evolving missile tactics make the ongoing war even more dangerous, Financial Times writes.

Previously, it was reported that European missile manufacturer MBDA is preparing to expand production of Patriot missiles at a new facility in Germany and says it is ready to build Patriot launchers as well.