USA President Donald Trump has announced that the United States will send Patriot air defense missiles to Ukraine as a necessary measure to bolster the country’s defenses. He did not specify how many missile systems would be sent but mentioned that the European Union would reimburse the US for their cost.
So, what exactly are these weapons, and why is Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy likely to welcome the move? The Patriot, short for Phased Array Tracking Radar for Intercept on Target, is a highly advanced mobile surface-to-air missile defense system developed by Raytheon Technologies. It has been a cornerstone of US air defense since the 1980s.
A typical Patriot battery includes radar and control systems, a power unit, launchers, and support vehicles. It is capable of intercepting aircraft, tactical ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles, depending on the interceptor type used. The system’s capabilities vary based on the missile technology employed.
The older PAC-2 interceptor uses a blast-fragmentation warhead that detonates near a target, while the more modern PAC-3 missiles are designed for greater accuracy, hitting targets directly for a more precise kill.
This announcement is likely to be welcomed by Ukraine, as the Patriot system significantly enhances its air defense capabilities, providing a crucial shield against potential missile threats.
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