US-made Patriot guided missile system arrives in Ukraine

In October, the US agreed to send Kiev these surface-to-air systems, which can target aircraft, cruise missiles and short-range ballistic missiles, similar to those Russia has used to target in its conflict with Ukraine.

US Patriot missile system. Photo: AP

The missiles are the latest aid from Western allies, who have also pledged tanks, artillery and some fighter jets as Ukraine prepares for an expected counter-offensive.

Mr. Reznikov thanked the United States, Germany and the Netherlands, but did not say how many missile systems had been delivered.

Ukrainian air force spokesman Yurii Ihnat said the delivery of these systems would be a landmark event, allowing Ukraine to strike Russian targets at greater distances.

The German government website on Tuesday listed a Patriot system as one of the military items delivered to Ukraine over the past week, a fact German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock confirmed to lawmakers in Berlin.

Germany has also delivered the second of four IRIS-T medium-range air defense systems it committed to last year, Baerbock said.

Ukrainian personnel have been trained on the Patriot system, which requires up to 90 servicemen to operate and maintain.

“Our air defense forces mastered the Patriot systems to the fullest extent possible. And our partners kept their word,” Reznikov wrote.

Experts have warned that the system's effectiveness would be limited and it may not significantly change the outcome of the war.

The Patriot was first deployed by the US in the 1980s. Analysts say the system costs about $4 million per missile and the launchers cost about $10 million. Given the high cost, using the Patriot to shoot down Russian drones is ineffective.

In another development on Wednesday, China denied recent reports that Chinese drones had been found on the battlefield in Ukraine. China has insisted that it will not help arm Russia.

China's Commerce Ministry said in a statement that Beijing maintains strict controls on drone exports in accordance with international standards, aiming to prevent their use for non- peaceful purposes.

Trung Kien (according to Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/he-thong-ten-lua-patriot-do-my-san-xuat-da-den-ukraine-post244472.html