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- Ukraine takes delivery of another Patriot air-defense system, as Russian attacks ramp up (businessinsider.com)
A Patriot missile battery was recently deployed in Greece, as depicted in an image sourced from Anthony Sweeney of the US Army.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Germany has delivered another Patriot air-defense system to Ukraine, bolstering its defenses against Russian aerial attacks. This latest delivery marks the third Patriot system Ukraine has received from Germany.
To date, Ukraine has obtained at least four Patriot units from its allies, though specific details about the number and locations of these units remain confidential. Western nations have pledged to send at least four additional systems to Ukraine.
President Zelenskyy expressed gratitude towards Germany and the United States for their support, stating, “The German ‘Patriot’ system has arrived in Ukraine, and I would like to thank Germany and the United States for this step. We will be able to do more in the skies.” He acknowledged, however, that “of course, there is still much work ahead, and this is far from guaranteed protection, but nevertheless, it means more strength for Ukraine.”
The MIM-104 Patriot, among the most advanced air-defense systems provided to Ukraine, has been effectively used to counter Russian drone and missile strikes, and even shoot down advanced Russian aircraft. Experts have noted the Patriot system’s effectiveness in Ukrainian defense, with some previously skeptical analysts now convinced of its capabilities.
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022, Ukraine has faced a critical need for robust air-defense capabilities as Russia frequently employs drones and missiles to target civilian infrastructure and residential areas far from the frontline. These strikes have escalated recently, hitting targets including a children’s hospital in Kyiv.
Earlier this month, Zelenskyy estimated that Ukraine would need about 25 Patriots to adequately defend against the Russian missile threat. The deployment of these systems has significantly limited Russian aircraft operations over Ukraine, a key defensive success given Ukraine’s comparatively modest and outdated air force. However, analysts warn that any depletion of Ukraine’s air defenses could be catastrophic, potentially allowing Russian forces to dominate the airspace and hastening an end to the conflict.
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- Ukraine takes delivery of another Patriot air-defense system, as Russian attacks ramp up (businessinsider.com)