Half of Iskander missiles reach their target: Expert explains why

Ukraine is facing a critical challenge in strengthening its air defense, particularly against ballistic missiles such as Russia’s Iskanders. Global production of key air defense systems is struggling to keep up with frontline needs.

This was reported by aviation expert and analyst Kostiantyn Kryvolap.

The expert revealed a shocking fact: approximately 750 Patriot missiles, capable of countering ballistic threats, are produced globally each year. That is almost the same number as Russia manufactures of its weapons over the same period.

“To shoot down one Iskander, you need at least two Patriot missiles — so half of these ballistic missiles will always hit their targets,” the analyst stressed.

Two Patriot missiles are needed to take down a single target because of the ballistic missiles’ complex trajectory and high speed, which demands greater interception reliability.

This shortage is critical: even with the Patriot system’s effectiveness, there simply aren’t enough to bring Ukraine’s air defense to the next level.

Supplying Ukraine with enough of these missiles is the only way to minimize the impact of Russian ballistic strikes, which continue to hit Ukrainian cities.