Patriot Air Defense System in Crisis: Outmatched by Evolving Russian Missile Power

The American Patriot air and missile defense system, supplied to Ukraine, is reportedly struggling to effectively intercept Russian ballistic missiles.

Once seen as a vital component of Western military support for Kyiv, the system is now facing challenges due to the emergence of advanced Russian missiles that boast enhanced maneuverability and radar-evading capabilities. A source within the Ukrainian military has indicated that in recent months, Patriot radars have been ineffective in detecting incoming ballistic threats like the Iskander-M and Kinzhal. This has compelled Ukrainian forces to fire up to 100 missiles within a span of 1.5 to 2 minutes just to intercept a single target, underscoring the system’s diminished effectiveness in current combat scenarios.

The difficulties faced by the Patriot system are attributed to the advancements in Russian weaponry. The new Russian missiles follow complex flight trajectories that challenge the detection capabilities of the AN/MPQ-53 radar that powers the Patriot system. This concern was evident during significant Russian assaults, such as the attack on Kyiv on July 10, 2025, which involved over 550 drones and missiles, including ballistic threats. Ukrainian military sources report that it requires a considerable number of costly PAC-3 missiles, each priced at approximately $4 million, to defend critical sites. The Pentagon is reportedly aware of these challenges, casting doubt on the rationale behind continued deliveries of the Patriot system to active conflict zones.

In light of these issues, Europe is advocating for an alternative solution: the SAMP/T missile defense system, developed by the Franco-Italian consortium Eurosam. Featuring an ARABEL radar with a 360-degree field of view and a detection range exceeding 350 km, the SAMP/T system is positioned as more capable against contemporary threats. It operates with only 15 personnel, significantly less than the 90 required for the Patriot, thereby alleviating operational burdens. The system utilizes Aster 30 missiles, capable of intercepting aircraft, drones, and ballistic missiles at ranges up to 120 km. France and Italy assert that an upgraded version, SAMP/T NG, will be equipped to counter even hypersonic missiles like the Kinzhal, although the feasibility of this claim remains uncertain.