Metinvest’s engineers successfully mounted the first armour on an operational Patriot air defence control module. The armoured shield, made from Ukrainian-manufactured steel, provides enhanced protection against fragmentation damage for both the defenders and the system itself.
The Group has been expanding its portfolio of protective military products, delivering over 300 steel screens for T-64 and T-72 tanks, M1 Abrams tanks, Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, and preparing to integrate similar solutions into Leopard 2 tanks. These innovations aim to safeguard equipment and save the lives of Ukraine’s military personnel.
Oleksandr Myronenko, Chief Operating Officer of Metinvest, emphasised the importance of reliable protection for Ukraine’s defenders. “We developed this project from scratch in just six weeks, crafting an armoured shield from 30KhN2MA grade steel, which is known for its wear resistance and toughness,” he stated. “This shield ensures the safety of both the air defence crew and the control system.”
The shield is composed of nearly 200 steel plates, each up to 8 mm thick, and weighs over 2.6 tonnes. Despite its robust build, the armour does not compromise the Patriot system’s functionality or mobility, a testament to the meticulous engineering and design by Metinvest’s team.
Since the onset of the full-scale invasion, Metinvest has prioritised supporting Ukraine’s military, allocating UAH4.4 billion through the Steel Front initiative. This commitment underscores the company’s dual focus on maintaining its operations and strengthening national defence capabilities.
