Russia Strikes 3 US-Made Patriot Missile Systems in Ukraine

MOSCOW – Military Russia has carried out attacks, which it claims are successful, on three missile defense systems Patriot artificial United States of America (US) in Ukraine.

In a statement on Thursday, the Russian Defense Ministry said the Western weapons had been targeted by Moscow’s warplanes, drones, missiles and artillery.

However, ministry officials did not provide details on where the missile defense systems were operating, or whether they were completely destroyed or only damaged.

The ministry, as quoted from Russia TodayFriday (2/8/2024), adding that its forces had also successfully targeted a Ukrainian drone control center and a train transporting ammunition and Kyiv troops.

Developed by US military contractor Raytheon, the Patriot has been hailed as one of the most effective missile defense systems in Ukraine’s arsenal, and officials in Kyiv regularly appeal to the West for additional supplies of the weapon.

The Patriot system is capable of engaging multiple targets, including tactical ballistic and cruise missiles and aircraft, at ranges of approximately 160 km and altitudes of up to 24 km.

A typical Patriot battery consists of several elements, including a radar vehicle and control station, a power plant truck, and a missile launcher. Approximately 90 personnel are required to operate the system at maximum capacity.

The Russian military has claimed to have attacked Patriot systems several times before, with the first incident occurring in May 2023, when the Defense Ministry in Moscow said a Kinzhal hypersonic missile had destroyed five Patriot launchers in Kyiv.

At that time, Washington confirmed that the system had been damaged.

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