Russian forces destroy Patriot batteries in Ukraine, raising concerns over air defence capabilities
Russians using a drone detected a Ukrainian Armed Forces convoy near Pokrovsk, which included at least two Patriot installations. They destroyed them with an Iskander strike, likely killing the crew as well - report Ukrainian media.
This could be the first instance of Russians successfully locating and destroying Patriot batteries since the war began. The Russian Ministry of Defence previously reported on their achievements, sharing a video of the action.
According to Forbes, the drone operator located the Ukrainian convoy near Pokrovsk (Donetsk oblast). After targeting, ground-to-ground missiles were launched. The Iskanders reportedly hit the Ukrainian convoy directly, travelling hundreds of miles. The two Patriot launchers were said to have exploded, killing the entire crew.
"Bild" journalist Julian Röpcke, who analysed the video, noted that the launchers were 10 metres apart and "had been parked long enough for Russia to fire a ballistic missile at them." "No words" - Röpcke commented.
However, the American Institute for the Study of War has not confirmed Russian reports. They believe the video shows the destruction of MAN KAT1 trucks, which can transport Patriot installations or be used in logistics.
Ukrainian defence weakened
Thus, Ukrainians in a single strike might have lost 13 percent of their Patriot launchers.
On March 5th, there were reports of Russians destroying a mobile HIMARS launcher, which, for unclear reasons, did not move from the firing position after launching.
Source: Forbes, "Ukrainian Truth"
