Patriot air defence aid for Ukraine falls through as ally withdraws
The Dutch Ministry of Defence and an "ally" intended to deliver another complete Patriot air defence system to Ukraine. However, this will not be possible as the unnamed country has withdrawn its donation. Here are the most essential features and capabilities of the Patriot system.
Ukrainian military personnel and politicians have been asserting for months that shortages of air defence systems are one of their country's biggest problems. The Patriot systems manufactured by the American company Raytheon are highly valued among such weapons. Although NATO countries have sent several batteries to the front, they still do not meet the needs of the defending army.
Problems with Patriots for Ukraine
At the end of May, the German and Dutch defence ministries announced they would seek solutions to this issue worldwide. The Dutch declared their readiness to supply Ukraine with a Patriot system alongside another willing country. They offered "basic components," with the remaining parts needed to form a complete battery from another allied country.
— With our offer, and consulting with partner countries providing several key parts and munitions, we can provide Ukraine with at least one fully operational system in a short time frame — said then Dutch Defence Minister Kajsa Ollongren.
In June, the Dutch announced they had found a country interested in such an endeavour. According to the Dutch ANP agency, the entire plan is falling apart because "the previously mentioned commitment by an ally is not being honoured." It is not known which country this refers to. The Dutch Ministry of Defence does not intend to disclose such information.
Valued American anti-aircraft system
A complete Patriot system battery consists of launchers, a computerised command post, and a phased array radar. The system's elements are mounted on vehicle platforms, making the equipment highly mobile. However, it is primarily valued worldwide for its high efficiency in intercepting hostile targets, which can include aircraft, helicopters, drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles.
The capabilities of this system depend on several variables, including the radar version, type of target, and missiles used. However, it is capable of engaging hostile objects up to about 160 kilometres away and at altitudes up to 23 kilometres. The launched missiles can reach speeds of approximately 3,700 kilometres per hour for MIM-104A variants or even 6,200 kilometres per hour for PAC-2 and PAC-3 variants.
