Russian missiles bypass Patriot systems on Ukrainian territory

The British newspaper Financial Times (FT), citing sources, wrote on Thursday, October 2nd, that Russia, by modernizing its missile systems, has created even more effective access to Ukrainian territories protected by American Patriot air defense systems. This shift has been clearly reflected in the devastating strikes carried out by Russia in recent months on Ukrainian drone manufacturing plants.

During the summer, at least four drone manufacturing plants in and around Kyiv suffered serious damage. On August 28, a Turkish company producing Bayraktar drones was attacked. Two officials interviewed by the FT reported that offices of the company involved in the creation of two more missile drones were also in the area of the attack, and they were damaged by Patriot systems. This also affected EU delegations in Europe and offices close to the British Council.

According to the publication's sources, Russia updated the Iskander-M mobile missile system with a range of up to 500 km and the Kinzhal aeroballistic missile with a range of up to 480 km. Currently, these missiles operate on a regular trajectory, then suddenly change course, diving vertically or maneuvering to avoid being intercepted by Patriot air defense systems.

One of the FT sources, as a former Ukrainian official, noted that such actions by Russia were a "turning point in Russia's favor" and recalled that delays in the delivery of Patriot devices by the US also influenced this process.

Thus, modernized Russian missiles have increased strategic offensive capabilities in the territory of Ukraine and created a new threat to modern NATO defense systems. This is a serious signal from the point of view of international security for world politicians and military specialists.