Patriot anti -aircraft defense systems are a key element of the protection of the Ukrainian sky against Russian attacks. Kiev has received eight such sets so far, but according to President Volodymyr Zelanski, as many as 25 are needed for full protection. Meanwhile, two of the supplied systems have been damaged, and subsequent deliveries can only supplement the deficiencies instead of increasing the defense capabilities of Ukraine.
The American Patriot battery in the basic version costs about $ 1 billion., and 90 people are needed to operate.
Patriot systems are the only effective tool of Ukraine to defend against Russian ballistical rockets such as Iskanders. Although Kiev also uses other systems, such as Iris-T or Nasams, patriots ensure relative effectiveness in the case of the most advanced threats. The lack of enough of these systems means that The Ukrainian sky remains exposed to attacks, which has a direct impact on the security of civilians and critical infrastructure.
Where do patriots for Ukraine come from?
Ukrainian has so far received eight Patriot sets: Three from the USA, three from Germany and one of the Netherlands and Romania. As reported by The New York Times, this summer Kiev is to receive a system that previously stationed in Israel.
In addition, it is considered to transfer another set from Germany or Greece. However, as emphasized by Andrzej Wilk from the Eastern Studies Center, these deliveries will only complement the gaps, and will not increase the number of efficient systems.
What are the Patriot system's capabilities?
Patriot is a mobile rocket system of the Earth-Parliament, which entered service in 1984. The set includes radar capable of detecting goals over 150 km away, fire management station, rocket launchers and transport vehicles. The latest PAC-3 MSE rockets have a range of up to 160 km and a ceiling of 30 km. These systems are used by 19 countries, including Poland, which has invested $ 17.3 billion in them. as part of the “Wisła” program.
Israel, although condemned the Russian invasion, limits its support for Ukraine to humanitarian aid and air warning systems. According to The Times of Israel, the transfer of Patriot rockets from Israeli magazines to Poland, and then to Ukraine, took place with the consent of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who at the same time informed Russia.
