Germany to Deliver Additional Patriot Missile Fire Unit to Ukraine Due to Recent Russian Attacks.

On April 13, 2024, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius confirmed the expedited delivery of an additional fire unit of the Patriot Air Defense Missile System to Ukraine. This latest commitment follows a series of destructive attacks targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure, which have underscored the critical need for robust defensive measures.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

A Patriot launcher unit of the German air Force. (Picture source German MoD)

Since the beginning of the invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces in February 2022, Germany's support to Ukraine has been substantial, with previous contributions including two batteries of the Patriot air defense missile system, two launcher units, an extra radar, and 200 surface-to-air missiles. These systems play a pivotal role in intercepting aerial threats and are part of a broader effort to enhance Ukraine's defensive posture against Russian military actions.

Before the conflict, Germany maintained a formidable array of Patriot systems, equipped with 30 M902 Patriot PAC-3 launcher units, each capable of holding 16 surface-to-air missiles. This arsenal represents a significant component of the nation's air defense strategy, which is now being partially redirected to aid Ukraine's resistance.

The urgency of the situation was highlighted last week by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who voiced a pressing need for 25 US-made Patriot air defense systems to adequately shield his country from Russian offensives. Germany's latest contribution is seen as a critical step in answering that call and strengthening Ukraine's ability to protect its sovereignty and civilian infrastructure.

Last week, Russian missiles and drones targeted and demolished a significant electric plant near Kyiv, striking additional power infrastructure across various Ukrainian regions on April 11, 2024, according to officials. This escalation places further strain on Ukraine's already beleaguered energy system, which is facing a shortage of air defenses.

More than two years into Russia's full-scale invasion, the Trypilska coal-powered thermal power plant near the capital was destroyed, citing information reported by the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense.

The Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) is an advanced ground-to-air missile system specifically designed to intercept a variety of aerial threats using a hit-to-kill approach. This system is highly effective against tactical ballistic missiles, neutralizing them through direct collision, which relies on kinetic energy instead of an explosive warhead.

A critical element of the PAC-3 system is the missile launcher unit, a mobile, semi-trailer-mounted platform that enhances the flexibility and maneuverability of the air defense configuration. Each launcher is capable of carrying up to 16 PAC-3 missiles in individual canisters, significantly more than its predecessor, which could carry only four PAC-2 missiles per launcher. This increase in capacity ensures a higher readiness and ability to engage multiple threats simultaneously.

The PAC-3 system also features the "F" designation or the PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) version, which offers substantial improvements over earlier models. This upgrade includes extended range, enhanced accuracy, and overall better performance, with the MIM-104F Patriot missile capable of engaging targets at a maximum range of approximately 160 km (99 miles) and altitudes up to 24 km (15 miles).

Overall, the PAC-3's capabilities extend across a wide range of aerial threats including drones, advanced aircraft, and cruise missiles. Its substantial detection and engagement range, combined with the ability to target multiple aerial threats concurrently and its mobile launcher platform, make the PAC-3 a versatile and potent component of modern air defense strategies.

Defense News April 2024