Ihnat: Maneuvering of "Iskander-M" missiles complicates the operation of Patriot systems

Ihnat: Maneuvering of "Iskander-M" missiles complicates the operation of Patriot systems

The Iskander-M missile can make slight oscillations while approaching the target, which complicates the operation of the Patriot air defence system.

This is stated in the material by RBC-Ukraine.

As explained by Yuriy Ihnat, the head of the communications department of the Air Force Command, the Patriot system shoots down ballistic missiles in automatic mode, making it harder to precisely calculate the interception moment for a missile that maneuvers during flight.

"However, Patriot continues to operate, and there are results in shooting down both “Iskanders” and “Kinzhals”," Ihnat emphasized.

Ihnat also noted that Russia has significantly increased the number of Iskander-M launches compared to previous years. Russia has started using the Iskander-M more frequently and in larger numbers, from various directions, in combination with other means - UAVs and cruise missiles.

"And this, in turn, also complicates their interception. The proportion of ballistic missiles used compared to cruise missiles has increased compared to previous years. Plus, one Patriot battery during an attack ’looks’ in a specific direction – it cannot see and strike enemy targets at 360 degrees," Ihnat explained.