Ukrainian Patriot Defenses Reportedly Drop to Just 6% Effectiveness
Former senior military official claims Russian missile upgrades have rendered U.S.-supplied systems “increasingly incapable” of interception
Ukraine, PUREWILAYAH.COM - Ukraine’s U.S.-made Patriot air defense systems have reportedly become largely ineffective against Russian missile strikes, according to retired Lieutenant General Igor Romanenko, former Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
In an interview with Espreso TV, Romanenko claimed that the effectiveness of Patriot batteries has plummeted from 42% to as low as 6%, raising serious concerns over the reliability of Western air defense aid to Kiev.
The Patriot systems, first delivered in April 2023 by the United States, Germany, and the Netherlands, were once hailed as a strategic shield against Russian ballistic attacks. However, Ukraine is believed to possess only a limited number of these units, further compounding the challenge.
Russian Missiles Adapt to Outsmart U.S. Air Defenses
Romanenko attributed the rapid decline in interception rates to software upgrades implemented by the Russian military on its Iskander and Kinzhal missile systems.
These enhancements reportedly allow the missiles to fly traditional trajectories before executing sudden terminal maneuvers or steep dives—tactics designed to “confuse and evade” Patriot interceptors.
His remarks align with a report by the Financial Times, which cited Ukrainian and Western officials describing Russian advancements as a potential “game changer” on the battlefield. Data from the Ukrainian Air Force showed interception success briefly rising to 37% in August before collapsing to just 6% in September.
Earlier in May, Ukrainian Air Force spokesperson Yury Ignat confirmed that the Iskander-M had been “improved and modernized,” acknowledging Kiev’s growing vulnerability to Russia’s evolving missile doctrine.
Moscow: Western Aid Cannot Change the Course of War
The Kremlin has repeatedly insisted that Western arms deliveries—including systems like Patriot—cannot alter the strategic outcome of the conflict, instead prolonging the war and civilian suffering.
On Friday, Russia launched what it called a “massive strike” targeting Ukraine’s military-industrial facilities and energy infrastructure, reportedly in response to Ukrainian “terrorist attacks” on civilian areas.
The strikes triggered widespread power outages in Kiev and several regions across the country. Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky attributed the failure of air defense to adverse weather conditions, citing rain and fog.
As Ukraine continues to rely heavily on Western defense systems, the reported degradation of Patriot effectiveness raises critical questions about the future viability of U.S. and NATO support in the ongoing conflict. (PW)