- Russia claims that its Su-35 fighter jet struck components of a US-made Patriot air-defence system in Ukraine using a Kh-31PM anti-radiation missile fired from around 125 km away.
- Russian sources released footage showing a Su-35 firing a Kh-31PM missile, but it does not independently establish that a Patriot system was destroyed.
- Ukraine has not confirmed the strike, with some reports indicating the target was a radar station rather than a complete Patriot system.
- The alleged strike comes as Ukraine faces a shortage of Patriot interceptors and continues to seek more support from allies.
- The MIM-104 Patriot is among Ukraine's most important air-defence systems, particularly for countering ballistic missiles.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been pressing the US and other allies for more Patriot interceptors.
Russia has claimed that its Su-35 fighter jet struck a US-made MIM-104 Patriot air defense system in Ukraine using a Kh-31PM anti-radiation missile launched from approximately 125 km away. This incident reportedly occurred on August 23 near Odesa, but Ukraine has not confirmed the strike.146
According to *Military Watch Magazine*, Russian sources released cockpit footage showing the missile launch, which they assert targeted components of a Ukrainian Patriot system. However, the footage does not independently verify the destruction of the system, and reports vary on whether the target was a complete Patriot system or merely a radar station.23
The Kh-31PM missile is designed to detect and home in on electromagnetic emissions from enemy radar systems, making it particularly effective against air defense installations. The reported strike comes at a critical time for Ukraine, which is facing a dwindling supply of Patriot interceptors as Russia intensifies its missile and drone attacks. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been actively seeking additional air defense systems from Western allies to bolster Ukraine's defenses against Russian aggression.7
The MIM-104 Patriot is one of Ukraine's most vital air defense systems, especially for countering ballistic missiles. As the conflict continues, the pressure on Ukraine's air defense capabilities remains high, with ongoing appeals for more support from international partners.
“The Kh-31PM is an anti-radiation missile that homes in on radar emissions, with an operational range of roughly 55 to 300 km and speeds up to Mach 4. The alleged strike comes as Ukraine faces a Patriot interceptor shortage, with Zelenskyy pressing allies for more.”
News18
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