Patriot air defense systems supplied by the US played an important role in Ukraine’s air defense system before the Russian attack. IntelliNews photo
According to Intellinews, Patriot air defense systems provided by the US have played an important role in Ukraine’s air defense system against Russian attacks. The missile used for the $2-4 million Patriot “steel shield” effectively shot down 10 Kinzhal hypersonic missiles – Moscow’s most advanced missile that was praised as impossible to intercept.
Ukraine has become heavily dependent on the advanced air defense systems that Western allies, especially the United States, provide the country with aid. It was these systems that reduced damage and deaths to Ukraine during Russian airstrikes and missile attacks, allowing many cities, including Kiev, to return to normalcy.
While Ukraine has received various air defense systems from partners, including Stingers, short-range SAM systems and long-range systems such as the French SAMP/T and the US-Norwegian NASAMS, the Patriot is designed Unique design to counter ballistic missiles, NV reported.
Ukrainian Major Volodymyr, commander of the Patriot battery, told New Voice of Ukraine that the system is highly effective against deadly ballistic missiles. “Patriot is one of the few systems that effectively counter ballistic missiles – which cause the most casualties,” Volodymyr emphasized.
However, White House and Pentagon officials have warned that the US will soon face challenges in providing interceptor missiles to Ukraine’s Patriot batteries due to high costs.
A senior US official said last week that the US had run out of money to help Ukraine. NATO allies are also running low on Patriot missile ammunition, having sent most of their stockpiles to Ukraine over the last year. NATO last week announced plans to spend $1 billion to replenish stockpiles. This would also create a new batch of missiles that could be delivered to Ukraine in an emergency.
However, the US warning Ukraine that it will stop supplying missiles for the Patriot air defense system it is operating in the near future will be a major blow to Ukraine.
Experts say that this will end the Patriot missile coverage range to protect Ukraine and the country will be in danger.
Previously, US military experts warned in December 2023 that Ukraine would start running out of ammunition for its air defense systems in February or March 2024, putting cities at risk of Russian attack. attack again.
