The Biden administration announced that it would give Ukraine another US$1.85 billion in military aid, including the Patriot air defense system that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said his nation urgently needs to fend off Russian attacks.
Zelensky Urges US To Supply Ukraine With Patriot Missiles
One of the most sophisticated air defense systems in the US arsenal, the Patriot, or Phased Array Tracking Radar for Intercept on Target, is a theater-wide surface-to-air missile defense system made by Raytheon Technologies Corp.
The system was initially put to use in battle in the Gulf War of 1991, with batteries defending Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Israel. It was then employed again in 2003 during the US invasion of Iraq.
Powerful radar, a control station, a power generator, launch stations, and other support vehicles are typically part of this transportable system.
Depending on the kind of interceptor being utilized, the system has varying capabilities.
The more recent PAC-3 missile employs more sophisticated hit-to-kill technology whereas the PAC-2 interceptor uses a blast-fragmentation warhead.
Read more: Donald Trump NFT: Former President is accused of copying images for his collection
How Widely Is The System Used?
More than 240 Patriot systems have been produced by Raytheon, and 18 nations, including the US, are presently using them. Due to Iran’s danger to the region, the system has been in great demand in the Middle East.
Since 2015, the system has successfully deflected over 150 ballistic missiles, according to Raytheon. To defend itself from Russian forces’ barrage of missile and drone strikes, Ukraine has stated that it needs stronger air defense systems.
Up to this point, the US has given Ukraine two National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS). The Patriot system can take down the kamikaze drones Russia often uses to attack vital infrastructure in Ukraine, even though it was built to combat threats like aircraft and ballistic missiles.
However, it would be a very expensive way to get rid of drones, which only cost a few thousand dollars.
Read more: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis Pulls $2 Billion from BlackRock Due To New Anti-Woke Investment Rule
