Ukraine Air Force Reports Patriot Systems Intercept All Russian Kinzhal Missiles.

Since May 2024, Ukraine's air force has claimed that American Patriot systems have intercepted every Russian Kinzhal missile. With this weapon system, ardently requested by President Zelensky, the country has increasingly managed to thwart Russian bombardments. Their effectiveness is likely to increase Ukraine's desire for more of these highly coveted anti-ballistic systems.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

Army Patriot Launching Station Enhanced Operators, raise the MIM-104 Patriot launching station on July 14, 2021, at Camp Growl in Queensland. (Picture source: US DoD)

In an interview with Ukrinform, the national news agency, Air Force Colonel Serhii Yaremenk stated, "All the Kinzhals launched at the Ukrainian capital since the announcement of the Patriot air defense system being put into service have been successfully intercepted." He added, "Since the beginning of May 2023, no ballistic missile has reached its target in our country's capital. More than 20 Kinzhals were launched at Kyiv, and all were successfully intercepted."

Kinzhal missiles, translating to "dagger" in Russian, were considered a significant asset for the Russian military in its bombardments of Ukrainian cities. However, they have not lived up to their promises in Ukraine thanks to the Patriot systems acquired by Zelensky. The MIM-104 Patriot, manufactured in the U.S. by defense contractor Raytheon, is considered one of the most advanced air-defense systems in the world. Ukraine currently possesses at least two of these systems, one donated by the U.S. in May and the other provided in partnership by Germany and the Netherlands.

The Kinzhal missile, also known as the Kh-47M2 Kinzhal, is a Russian air-launched hypersonic ballistic missile. It was developed by Russia and unveiled to the public in 2018 by President Vladimir Putin. This missile was designed to be launched from fighter jets, notably the MiG-31K, giving it significant range and impressive speed. The Kinzhal entered operational service the same year and was presented as a major advancement in Russian military capabilities.

The Kinzhal's capabilities include a flight speed of up to Mach 10, making it extremely difficult to intercept with current missile defense systems. It has an estimated range of about 2,000 kilometers, allowing it to strike long-distance targets with high precision. The missile can carry conventional or nuclear warheads, making it a versatile tool for various strategic missions. Its launch from MiG-31K aircraft, which can operate at high altitudes, further extends its effective range.

Currently, the exact number of Kinzhal missiles in service remains classified, but they are deployed in sufficient quantities to be considered a key component of Russia's deterrence strategy. The MIM-104 Patriot is an air-defense and anti-missile system developed by the American defense contractor Raytheon. Production began in the 1970s, and it was officially put into service by the U.S. Army in 1982. Designed to replace the Nike Hercules and HAWK systems, the Patriot has evolved over the decades to become one of the most sophisticated air-defense systems in the world.

The Patriot system can detect, track, and intercept various aerial threats, including tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and aircraft. It uses radar-guided interceptor missiles to engage targets at distances up to 160 kilometers and altitudes up to 24 kilometers. The central element of the system is its AN/MPQ-53 or AN/MPQ-65 radar, capable of tracking up to 100 targets simultaneously and guiding multiple interceptors. Before Ukraine, the Patriot proved its combat effectiveness during the Gulf Wars and more recently in Middle Eastern conflicts.

Zelensky has consistently lobbied for more high-tech anti-ballistic systems to be sent to Ukraine, arguing that they are necessary to counter the 3,000 projectiles Russia launches at the country each month. "Ukraine needs seven systems – this is the bare minimum," the president said in an April address. This request was scaled back from an initial demand for 25 Patriot systems, which Zelensky deemed necessary to completely cover Ukraine.

In April, Germany pledged to send another Patriot to Ukraine, followed by Biden's approval of the deployment of a second system in June. At the end of June, Romania also promised to send a Patriot system to Ukraine, although Bucharest's donation included the condition that the U.S. compensate for the difference. "This donation is made on the condition that our country continues negotiations with allies, especially with an American strategic partner, to obtain a similar or equivalent system... At the same time, it is necessary to find a temporary solution to cover the operational vulnerability created in this way," read the announcement on President Klaus Iohannis's website.

On Wednesday, the Department of Defense announced a $2.2 billion aid package to upgrade Ukraine's air defenses, including additional surface-to-air missiles for the country's existing Patriot systems. Given their success in reducing Russian bombardments, it is no surprise that Ukraine is so eager to obtain more Patriot systems to safeguard its skies.