How the Patriot Missile System Works in Ukraine | WSJ

How to Understand and Operate the Patriot Missile System in Ukraine

The Patriot Air Defense System has been crucial in helping Ukraine defend its cities and critical infrastructure against Russian attacks. Here's a step-by-step guide on how the Patriot Missile System works and its advantages in Ukraine:

Step 1: Understanding the Components of the Patriot System

• The Patriot system consists of multiple components, including the radar, engagement control station, and launching station.
• The radar tracks missiles and other targets, detecting aircraft up to 62 miles away and ballistic missiles over 100 miles away.
• The engagement control station processes the radar data before sending it to the launching station, which can hold up to 16 missiles.

Step 2: Detecting and Intercepting Threats

• The Patriot system in Ukraine detected and intercepted Russian Kinzhal ballistic missiles at a distance of around 125 miles.
• The system uses two types of interceptors: PAC-2 and PAC-3. PAC-2 uses blast fragmentation, while PAC-3 employs hit-to-kill technology to destroy incoming threats.

Step 3: Advantages of the Patriot System

• The Patriot system has outperformed initial expectations in Ukraine, helping intercept projectiles and defend against aerial threats.
• By combining the Patriot with other air defense systems, Ukraine can effectively protect against various types of threats.

Step 4: Disadvantages of the Patriot System

• Each Patriot system costs around $1 billion and takes two years to build, making it a costly investment.
• The high cost of missiles, such as the PAC-3 at $4.1 million each, limits the number of targets that can be engaged.
• Operating the Patriot system requires a significant manpower, with up to 90 soldiers needed to operate a full system.

Step 5: Future Plans and Support for Ukraine

• The US and Germany have provided military support to Ukraine, including additional Patriot systems and ammunition.
• Increasing the number of Patriot batteries could enhance Ukraine's defense capabilities and protect ground troops during counter-offensives.

By following these steps, you can better understand how the Patriot Missile System operates in Ukraine and its role in defending against aerial threats effectively.