Ukraine calls Patriot its most effective air and missile defense system, seeks faster interceptor deliveries

At the meeting, Ukraine’s Minister of Defence, Mykhailo Fedorov, stressed the importance of PAC-3 interceptors in countering ballistic attacks. He stated, “Earlier today, russia conducted one of its largest ballistic attacks on Ukraine, launching more than 24 missiles. The most effective means of countering ballistic threats are PAC-3 missiles for Patriot systems. We urgently need ballistic intercept capabilities, as russia is seeking to destroy our critical infrastructure this winter.”

Fedorov also emphasized the need to increase contributions to the PURL initiative, through which Ukraine receives PAC-3 and other critical interceptor missiles. Since the start of Russia’s full-scale war, Patriot systems in Ukraine have reportedly destroyed nearly all known types of aerial targets, including Su-34 fighter-bombers, Kh-101 and Kh-555 cruise missiles, Kalibr cruise missiles, Kh-47M2 Kinzhal aeroballistic missiles, and Zircon hypersonic missiles.

The Ministry outlined three types of missiles used by Patriot systems, beginning with the PAC-2, which employs a high-explosive fragmentation warhead and is effective against aircraft and cruise missiles at altitudes of up to 24 kilometers and ranges of up to 160 kilometers. The PAC-3 CRI interceptor uses a kinetic hit-to-kill principle and is designed to defeat hypersonic aeroballistic targets at altitudes of up to 20 kilometers and ranges of up to 40 kilometers.

The PAC-3 MSE is described as the most advanced interceptor, featuring an improved motor and enhanced maneuverability while also using the hit-to-kill principle. It is capable of intercepting ballistic targets at altitudes of up to 24 kilometers and ranges of up to 60 kilometers.

The Ministry also confirmed that its representatives recently met with a delegation from the U.S. company RTX, the manufacturer of the Patriot system, to discuss accelerating missile deliveries and developing domestic capabilities to maintain advanced Western weaponry in Ukraine. In January, the Ministry reported that Ukraine had acquired two additional Patriot systems and outlined five key advantages of these air defense systems.