The Russian military has conducted successful strikes on three Ukrainian US-made Patriot air-defense systems, Moscow has said.
In a statement on Thursday, the Defense Ministry said the weapons had been targeted by Russian warplanes, drones, missiles, and artillery. However, officials did not provide details on where the air-defense systems were operating, or whether they were completely destroyed or just damaged.
The ministry added that its forces had also successfully targeted a Ukrainian drone control center and trains transporting ammunition and troops.
Developed by US military contractor Raytheon, the Patriot has been hailed as one of the most effective air-defense systems in Ukraine’s arsenal, and officials in Kiev regularly implore the West for additional supplies of the weapon. Patriots are capable of engaging numerous targets, including tactical ballistic and cruise missiles and aircraft, at a range of approximately 160km and altitudes of up to 24km.
A typical Patriot battery consists of several elements, including radar and control station vehicles, a “power plant” truck, and missile launchers. Approximately 90 personnel are required to operate the system at maximum capacity.
The Russian military claims to have hit Patriot systems several times before, with the first instance dating back to May 2023, when the Defense Ministry said a Kinzhal hypersonic missile had destroyed five Patriot launchers in Kiev. At that time, Washington confirmed the systems had been damaged.