Exclusive: Ukrainian Metinvest Group Enhances Patriot Command Post Air Defense System with Homegrown Armor.

In an exclusive development for Ukraine's defense industry, Metinvest Group, a leading Ukrainian steel producer, has successfully designed and manufactured an advanced armored shield for the command and control vehicle of the MIM-104 Patriot air defense missile system, which is now deployed in Ukraine. This new initiative marks a significant leap in protecting critical military assets, showcasing the innovation and resilience of the Ukrainian defense sector in the face of ongoing conflict.
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Metinvest Group has developed and installed a custom armored shield for the MIM-104 Patriot command vehicle, enhancing crew protection and system integrity with Ukrainian-made 30KhN2MA steel. 

According to Oleksandr Myronenko, Head of Metinvest’s Steel Production for the Ukrainian Army and Operational Director of Metinvest Group, the project was completed in an impressively short time span of just one and a half months. "In a month and a half, we created a project from scratch and, according to the drawings, manufactured a shield for the Patriot air defense system crew from Ukrainian armored steel. The armor guarantees protection from shrapnel damage to both the defenders and the air defense system control complex," Myronenko stated.

The newly developed armored shell is made from 30KhN2MA steel, a high-performance alloy renowned for its enhanced wear resistance, toughness, and resilience to mechanical loads. This steel was specifically chosen to ensure the highest level of protection for the crew and the critical electronics of the command center against the dangers of shrapnel and other battlefield hazards.

The shield's design consists of nearly 200 individual elements—armor plates up to 8 mm thick—that collectively form a protective shell for the control center of the MIM-104 Patriot air defense system. The total weight of the armor exceeds 2.6 tons, but despite its substantial mass, the protection system does not compromise the functionality or mobility of the air defense complex. The ability to deliver both heavy-duty protection and preserve operational performance is a critical aspect of the design, ensuring that the Patriot missile system continues to operate at peak effectiveness while safeguarding its operators and equipment.

Metinvest’s armored shield development was a material achievement and a testament to the expertise and coordination of Ukrainian engineers and skilled workers. The project involved a dedicated team of design engineers, who worked closely with turners, fitters, mechanical assemblers, and electric and gas welders to ensure precision and efficiency throughout the manufacturing process. The team’s close supervision ensured that each armor component met the highest standards of quality and durability.

The shield’s development also reflects a broader trend in Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to leverage domestic resources and capabilities to meet the country’s defense needs. In the face of increasing external threats, particularly from Russian forces, the innovation of Ukrainian defense companies like Metinvest is proving to be invaluable in strengthening the nation’s military resilience.

The MIM-104 Patriot air defense missile system plays a pivotal role in Ukraine's defense strategy, offering the ability to intercept and neutralize various aerial threats, including missiles, aircraft, and drones. Since its deployment, the system has become a cornerstone of Ukraine's air defense, helping to safeguard critical infrastructure and military assets from enemy airstrikes. By enhancing the protection of the Patriot's command and control vehicle, Metinvest is not only contributing to the immediate security of the system’s crew but also reinforcing the overall effectiveness of Ukraine's air defense operations. This latest development underscores the importance of adapting and reinforcing systems with locally produced solutions, ensuring that Ukraine can maintain the operational integrity of its defense capabilities while relying on its own industrial base.

Metinvest’s work on the Patriot armor is more than just a technical achievement; it is a symbol of the resilience and ingenuity of the Ukrainian people in the face of adversity. As the country continues to face one of the most significant military challenges in its history, this demonstrates Ukraine’s ability to mobilize and innovate its own resources to protect its sovereignty. With defense firms such as Metinvest playing a crucial role, Ukraine is able to stay at the forefront of military modernization, ensuring that it remains capable of defending itself from any threat, no matter the scale. As the war continues, the strength of Ukraine’s domestic defense industry will be a key factor in ensuring the country’s long-term security and independence.

This exclusive news story underscores the growing importance of Ukraine's domestic defense industry and its capacity to develop cutting-edge solutions like the armored shield for the MIM-104 Patriot air defense system. As the conflict in Ukraine persists, local innovations in military technology will continue to play a critical role in fortifying the country's defenses.