US intel warns of new challenge for Ukraine’s Patriot systems, media reports
Photo: Russia has improved missiles to make Patriot’s work more difficult (Getty Images)
The US Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) has reported that enhanced Russian ballistic missiles with maneuverable trajectories and decoys are reducing the effectiveness of Patriot air defense systems in Ukraine, TWZ reports.
Russian missiles complicate Patriot's work
According to US intelligence, in recent months, Russia has stepped up its use of ballistic missiles with improved maneuverability. This has led to Patriot systems, on which Ukraine relies for protection against ballistic missile strikes, becoming less effective.
Ukraine has five Patriot batteries at its disposal: three from the United States, one from Romania, and one from a joint supply by Germany and the Netherlands. Ukrainian forces have also received additional interceptors, but experts note that even with them, the systems are not always able to handle the new Russian missiles.
Russia’s tactical improvements
Russian missiles can now change their trajectory and maneuver instead of following a standard ballistic path. In addition, some missiles are equipped with electronic countermeasures that make it harder for Patriot systems to track and intercept them.
These include the Iskander-M and KN-23 missiles, which are considered the most frequently used by the aggressor country in strikes against Ukraine.
Losses and air defense effectiveness
On June 28, of the seven missiles launched, the Ukrainian Armed Forces managed to shoot down only one. The largest attack on July 9 included 13 missiles, of which Ukrainian forces shot down or suppressed seven.
US intelligence does not specify exactly which types of missiles cause the greatest difficulties, but emphasizes that the improvements make it harder to predict their trajectory and intercept them. As a result, Ukraine faces serious challenges in defending against modernized Russian ballistic missiles.
US and allies strengthen Ukraine’s air defense
Earlier, US President Donald Trump announced the transfer of Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine at the expense of NATO allies.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stated that Berlin is ready to transfer two Patriot systems, but only on the condition of a rapid replacement of the equipment.
On August 1, 2025, Germany announced the transfer of two Patriot systems to Ukraine. This concerns the delivery of launchers in the first stage, after which, in the second stage, Berlin will provide the remaining system components over the next 2–3 months.
The Netherlands has also declared its readiness to make a significant contribution to the transfer of American systems to Ukraine.
