Ukraine Changes Tactics For Using Patriot Systems, Ihnat Says
Ihnat explained that during the full-scale war, the Ukrainian military has changed its approach to using the American systems. In particular, they have learned to use the Patriot in various tactical situations and to use the expensive interceptor missiles more efficiently.
One example is the ability to deploy the system not only from fixed positions but also for ambushes followed by a change of location.
“For example, you can use the Patriot not as a stationary system-the way the Americans keep it at airfields or bases-but make it, so to speak, 'mobile': set up an ambush, shoot down five aircraft, and return unscathed,” explained the Air Force spokesperson.
Another difference concerns ammunition consumption. According to Ihnat, Ukrainian crews have learned to use one missile against a single target, whereas in the Middle East, in some cases, up to eight interceptors could be launched simultaneously.
He explained that the Patriot has three operating modes: automatic, semi-automatic, and manual. In automatic mode, the system can launch a significant number of interceptors, and in the absence of relevant combat experience, the entire salvo of missiles could be fired from the launcher at a single target.
“Due to a lack of such experience, they could have fired the entire salvo of interceptors from a single launcher at a single Shahed or a single ballistic missile,” Ihnat noted.
According to his estimate, the number of missiles used in the Middle East would have been enough for Ukraine to operate these systems for several years.
Read also: Russia to step up ballistic missile attacks as U.S. cuts Patriot missile supplies to Ukraine – Zelensky“That is why we now find ourselves in the crisis we are in-because what was spent in the Middle East would have been enough for us to operate the Patriot systems for several more years,” Ihnat concluded.
As reported by Ukrinform, Volodymyr Zelensky stated that progress is being made on the issue of providing Ukraine with missiles for the Patriot systems, but the process is moving very slowly.
Photo: U.S. Army
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the
information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept
any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images,
videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information
contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright
issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
Comments
No comment