In May and June 2023, the Ukrainian Patriot air defence batteries fended off several assaults of Russian ballistic missiles Iskander and Kinzhal. The 100-percenteffectiveness of the American-made interceptors stunned the world, as it had been believed that modern ballistic missiles were extremely difficult to intercept by currently fielded defence systems. At a glance, it appeared that battles over Kyiv indicated a game-change, which might lead to a far-reaching reevaluation of strategies and tactics of missile defence. However, we argue that this is not the case. The Patriots did prove their worth, and Kinzhals and Iskanders did underperform, but it happened in a very specific tactical situation greatly favouring defenders. Thus, it is much too early to proclaim the overall victory of the missile defence against ballistic missiles.
Analiza KBN nr 12 (127) / 2023
12 października 2023 r.
In May and June 2023, the Ukrainian Patriot air defence batteries fended off several assaults of Russian ballistic missiles Iskander and Kinzhal. The 100-percenteffectiveness of the American-made interceptors stunned the world, as it had been believed that modern ballistic missiles were extremely difficult to intercept by currently fielded defence systems. At a glance, it appeared that battles over Kyiv indicated a game-change, which might lead to a far-reaching reevaluation of strategies and tactics of missile defence. However, we argue that this is not the case. The Patriots did prove their worth, and Kinzhals and Iskanders did underperform, but it happened in a very specific tactical situation greatly favouring defenders. Thus, it is much too early to proclaim the overall victory of the missile defence against ballistic missiles.
Na fotografii: Niemiecka wyrzutnia systemu Patriot wyposażona w pociski PAC-2.
Źródło fotografii: Michele Tantussi/Getty Images, Politico.