Range of 25 km and Iskander oscillations: Ukrainian Armed Forces explain Patriots' difficulties in shooting down ballistic missiles
Yuriy Ihnat (Photo: Ukrinform)

Difficulties for Patriot air defense systems in shooting down Russian Iskander-M ballistic missiles are related to the range of this system and the specifics of the occupiers' weapons. This was stated by the spokesman for the Air Force of the AFU Yuriy Ihnat in an interview with RBC-Ukraine resource.

The journalist asked the military officer about the difficulties in the Patriot's work to counter Russian ballistic missiles, besides the fact that the Russians are carrying out massive strikes and the chronic shortage of missiles in Ukraine.

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"The Iskander-M ballistic missile, in particular, descends on the target almost vertically at a high speed, while at the same time making certain oscillations (maneuvering). During the operation of the Patriot system, of course, people are involved – everyone is on the ground, but the system automatically determines the point of "meeting" of the anti-aircraft missile and enemy ballistics," Ihnat said.

He noted that these systems can counter ballistic missiles within a radius of 25 kilometers, and cruise missiles and aircraft – even up to 150 kilometers, if there is radar visibility.

Thus, when shooting down a ballistic missile, it is necessary to detect the target and calculate the point at which it will converge with the Patriot anti-aircraft missile in "short seconds" when it enters the Patriot's kill zone, the military explained.

"But when Iskander-M makes so-called oscillations, maneuvers, movements, it makes it difficult for the system to determine this point of convergence. And there may be some problems here," emphasized the spokesman.

Ihnat added that this problem had already been reported to partners more than a year ago to improve the system, as the occupiers are not standing still.

However, the military recalled that in recent reports on nighttime strikes the Air Force writes about the shootdowns of Iskander-M or S-300 and S-400 missiles (modernized missiles for them flying on a ballistic trajectory are used by the occupiers to strike ground targets – Ed.)

"The enemy can also use them [S-300, S-400] together with Iskanders to save an expensive missile and use the S-300 anti-aircraft missile they have in excess," the spokesman said.

He also added that the defenders have recorded the use of X-22 and X-32 missiles by the occupiers, which also enter the target on a ballistic trajectory: Russia has been using them more often to hit the south of Ukraine, oil platforms in the Black Sea, Zmeinyi Island and the sea coast, where the port infrastructure is located.

"Recently [during the January 24 attack], as many as 12 such missiles were fired at Kyiv. The warhead of each of them is about a ton. Nine of them were shot down. This is an unprecedented case, which really deserves attention and gratitude to our soldiers who intercepted these missiles. And by the way, only three of the more than 400 such missiles launched over the entire period before this incident had been intercepted," he summarized.