How Patriot can counter Russian missiles: Expert explains

A former Ukrainian Air Force officer emphasized the strategic importance of Patriot air defense systems not only for Ukraine’s security but for Europe as a whole.

As Russian forces increasingly use ballistic missiles, the Patriot system remains the only reliable defense against such strikes. Providing Ukraine with additional launchers would be a significant step in strengthening its air defenses.

This was said by Anatolii Khrapchynskyi, a former Air Force officer and deputy director at an electronic warfare systems manufacturer, in an interview with 24 Kanal.

According to Khrapchynskyi, Russian forces are intensifying shelling of Ukrainian territories, with particular difficulty arising from attacks carried out in a mixed format — with different types of missiles simultaneously.

«This complicates detection or interception. Patriot is a system that provides for detection and monitoring of a large number of targets simultaneously. This is to our advantage,» he said.

The aviation specialist says that Ukraine needs anti-missile defence systems that destroy ballistic targets at the highest point of the trajectory. This could prevent severe consequences from enemy strikes.

According to the expert, Patriot and similar systems intercept missiles already on the final approach to the object. Even if the missile is shot down, its debris can pose a danger. That is why Ukraine needs to have its own effective missile defence systems.

«This would allow countering ballistic missiles, even those that may head towards Europe but pass over Ukraine,» Khrapchynskyi said.

According to him, the presence of such anti-missile defence systems can significantly increase the security of not only Ukraine but the whole of Europe.