Better than Patriot? Expert explains what kind of air defense system Ukraine can develop
Illustrative photo: expert explains what kind of air defense system Ukraine can develop (Getty Images)
Ukraine may develop its own air defense system that surpasses the American Patriot in terms of specifications, states aviation expert Kostiantyn Kryvolap in a comment to the RBC-Ukraine YouTube channel.
According to Kryvolap, Ukraine could work on developing its own air defense system, which was first presented back in 2016 by the Pivdennyi Machine-Building Plant.
"Most likely, we’re talking about a development by Pivdenmash that was presented as early as 2016. It exists in conceptual designs and some prototypes, but not in any finished form," Kryvolap said.
According to him, the system was designed with very advanced technical specifications.
"They surpass those of the Patriot. But it’s important to understand that this system began development 30 years after the Patriot introduced the PAC-3, which can intercept ballistic missiles," the expert noted.
Ukraine developing its own air defense systems
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently stated that Ukraine is working on creating its own air defense systems, including potential equivalents to the Patriot system.
Just a few days ago, Zelenskyy said that Ukraine is capable of producing air defense systems domestically to protect its territory from Russian terror.
Today, he added that Ukraine is ready to purchase ten Patriot systems from the United States or obtain licenses for their production.
Moreover, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha revealed that the country has already begun developing its own strategic-level air defense system.
