Russian forces have efficiently focused an MIM-104 Patriot air defence system operated by the Ukrainian Armed Forces, with elements hit in latest missile strikes together with a floor to air missile launcher, ammunition, and numerous unspecified different elements. The Russian Defence Ministry reported on February 23 that these strikes had occurred over the previous week, elaborating: “Because of a bunch strike, the Missile Troops of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation have hit a launcher, a truck, ammunition and a missile reload trailer transporter of the U.S.-made Patriot surface-to-air missile system.” It stays unsure which belongings Russia used to neutralise the Patriots, as whereas Russian state media has been fast to report when excessive profile techniques comparable to new Kinzhal ballistic missiles are utilized in fight, for older extra broadly used belongings comparable to Iskander-M tactical missile techniques or Kh-31P anti radiation missiles their use has normally not been confirmed. Patriot missile techniques are notably regarded as manned by overseas contractors, as their supply time was solely a fraction of the time required to coach Ukrainian personnel on the extremely advanced belongings. Western personnel have performed very widespread roles on the bottom bolstering the Ukrainian struggle effort together with broadly working newly provided {hardware}.
Ukrainian sources have repeatedly claimed that Patriots have gained important successes towards each Russian plane and missiles since they turned operational in Might 2023. The Russian Defence Ministry notably beforehand claimed that one among these techniques was destroyed a strike on the Ukrainian capital Kiev on Might 16 utilizing Kinzhal ballistic missiles. The ministry on Might 18 reported concerning the injury to the system: “In keeping with verified data, because of a strike by the Kinzhal hypersonic missile system within the metropolis of Kiev a multifunctional radar station, in addition to 5 launchers of the Patriot anti-aircraft missile system manufactured by the US have been hit and fully destroyed on Might 16, 2023.” Ukraine had acquired two Patriot techniques, with the primary delivered by Germany and the Netherlands in mid April lower than a month earlier than the strike, and the second by the US later that month.
Ukraine’s capacity to replenish not solely destroyed elements of Patriot techniques, however even expended ammunition, has been severely restricted by the US’ freeze on additional arms provides to the nation from late December resulting from rising discontent in Republican states concerning the immense value of sustaining the struggle effort. This has been additional exacerbated by the truth that the U.S. Navy is dealing with critical shortages of Patriot techniques for its personal use, which was highlighted by the sudden enhance in necessities for such defences from October 2023 following an escalation of assaults on American amenities throughout the Center East. This was a results of excessive tensions as Washington strongly backed its strategic accomplice Israel towards a number of regional actors with important anti floor missile capabilities, which has led to U.S. forces taking dozens of casualties on the bottom.
