Ukraine's inventive alliance: Patriot missiles on KrAZ trucks

A photo was published on Platform X that has garnered the attention of military analysts and enthusiasts. It depicts the American M901 Patriot missile system mounted on a Ukrainian KrAZ-260 truck. The photograph, which appeared on 2 April 2025, demonstrates how Ukraine integrates Western equipment with local resources.

Internet users commenting on the photograph from Ukraine have noted that the pairing of a Patriot launcher with a KrAZ truck is at the very least unusual, suggesting that the missile system in the image might be an intricately crafted model. Based on this single piece of material, it's challenging to ascertain whether the equipment is authentic. Commentators sharing the photo further emphasise that "if launchers look like models and models like launchers, then you're doing it right."

Bulgarian Military also observes that "the photo raises questions about the extent of modifications and whether these diminish Patriot's operational performance or perhaps enhance its mobility in Ukraine's challenging terrain."

The M901 Patriot is a vital component of an air defence system, capable of intercepting aircraft, drones, and ballistic missiles. Conversely, the KrAZ-260, produced since 1979, is a truck from the Soviet era. Combining these two technologies demonstrates how Ukraine addresses wartime challenges by leveraging Western aid alongside local resources.

Integrating an advanced launcher with a 1970s truck necessitated modifications such as reinforcing the chassis and suspension. Although the KrAZ-260 does not compare with modern American trucks for transporting missile systems, its availability and ease of repair make it a significant asset in the Ukrainian arsenal.

The photograph also holds symbolic significance. The Patriot represents Western support, while the KrAZ-260 is part of Ukraine’s industrial heritage. Together, they illustrate the tension between reliance on foreign aid and the drive for self-sufficiency, according to the Bulgarian Military.

Ukraine has a long history of merging old and new technologies to enhance its armed forces. An example is the Gravehawk system, which employs Soviet R-73 missiles. Such innovations illustrate how Ukraine adapts to evolving wartime conditions, potentially influencing the future of its defence.

Bulgarian Military explains that the M901 serves as a launch platform for Patriot missiles and can carry up to four PAC-2 missiles or 16 PAC-3 units. It weighs approximately 28 tonnes when fully loaded and is typically transported using heavy Oshkosh HEMTT trucks. The KrAZ-260 attached to the launcher is a model from the late 1970s with a load capacity of about 10 tonnes and an engine nearly 15 litres in size, producing 300 horsepower.