Russian missile upgrades challenge Patriot defence systems
Russians are modernising ballistic missiles, which makes it more difficult for air defence systems like the Patriot to intercept them, claims Yurii Ihnat from the Ukrainian Air Force in an interview with the Ukrainian agency Unian.
Russian ballistic missiles are being modernised, presenting a challenge to air defence systems like the Patriot. Yurii Ihnat, a representative of the Ukrainian Air Force, told Unian in an interview that Russians are directing the modernised missiles towards attacks on Ukraine, and they are not always intercepted successfully.
New technologies in missiles
Ihnat explained that the Russians are introducing technologies into the missiles that reduce the effectiveness of defence systems. The rockets can now deploy radar decoys, making them harder to intercept. Additionally, the missiles move along quasi-ballistic paths, complicating the calculation of the interception point.
Patriot systems, capable of intercepting ballistic missiles, are having difficulty predicting the trajectory of modernised missiles. Ihnat emphasised that although the interception process is complicated, it is not impossible. Cooperation with partners aims to improve these systems further.
Effectiveness of air defence
Ihnat points out that one type of enhanced missile is the Iskander-M. This system has a launcher that can fire rockets weighing up to approximately 5,000 kilograms. These missiles exceed a length of around 7 metres and have a diameter of about 1 metre. Once launched, they reach hypersonic speeds, exceeding 28,000 kilometres per hour. Due to such immense speed, the Iskander-M challenges defensive systems.
It is also important to note that Iskander-M systems are characterised by exceptional precision. These powerful missiles hit designated targets with great accuracy. The weapon's accuracy, measured by the CEP indicator, is 30 metres, indicating its high effectiveness.
