Patriot Interception Rate Falls from 37% to 6% Amid Russian Missile Upgrades

The FT stated that Russia’s missile software upgrades were implemented on two types of missiles: the **Iskander-M**, launched from mobile trucks, and the **Kh-47M2 Kinzhal**, air-launched from MiG-31 aircraft. The Iskander-M has a maximum range of 500 km, while the Kinzhal has a range of 480 km.

Ukrainian officials, representatives from U.S. defense contractors manufacturing these weapons, and Western military experts revealed that Russia recently upgraded both missiles to deviate from typical ballistic trajectories, perform sharp final descents, or execute evasive maneuvers in the final phase to confuse the Patriot system, making interceptions more difficult.

A Ukrainian official with a bureaucratic background stated, “This upgrade is a game-changer for Russia.”

The Patriot system’s missile interception rate has plummeted in recent months—from 37% in August to 6% in September. The Patriot air defense system is a core component of Ukraine’s multi-layered defense structure, protecting major cities like Kyiv and military bases from large-scale hybrid attacks involving Russian ballistic missiles, glide bombs, and drones.

Enjoyed this article? Stay informed by joining our newsletter!

Comments

You must be logged in to post a comment.