Russia's upgraded missiles challenge Ukraine's Patriot defense systems
Photo: Yurii Ihnat, Head of the Communications Department of the Air Force Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (Getty Images)
Russian forces are gradually testing modernized weapons on the battlefield in Ukraine, including ballistic and cruise missiles, said Yurii Ihnat, Head of the Communications Department of the Air Force Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Ihnat noted that the modernization of Russian missiles is not a new issue, but it clearly makes intercepting them more difficult.
"Of course, it has become harder to engage missiles flying along quasi-ballistic trajectories. They oscillate as they approach the target, which complicates the work of the Patriot system. When intercepting ballistic missiles, the system operates automatically, and it is harder to predict the point where the interceptor will collide with or detonate near the enemy's missile," he explained.
He added that detecting large numbers of missiles coming from multiple directions remains a challenge, though this was already known.
"If missiles come from different directions, a single system cannot detect them. Multiple systems and radars are needed to cover a city from different angles," Ihnat said.
Earlier, Western media reported that Russia had allegedly modernized its Iskander and Kinzhal missiles to bypass Ukrainian air defenses. The upgrades reportedly made intercepting ballistic missiles much more difficult. The modernized missiles have caused significant damage to drone production facilities and critical infrastructure.
Ihnat had already explained the changes in Russian missiles. As early as May, it became clear that the enemy was modernizing its ballistic missiles.
