Russia tried to destroy the Patriot air defense system in Ukraine with the Kinzhal hypersonic missile – CNN

13 May, 2023 Kh-47m2 Kinzhal air-launched missile. Photo from open sources The Russian Kh-47 Kinzhal missile was supposed to hit the location of the Patriot air defense system, which Ukraine had received from its partners.

CNN reports with reference to U.S. officials. The Russian missile was destroyed on approach. According to the publication, two unnamed U.S. officials believe that Russia tried to destroy the Patriot air defense system during the night attack on Kyiv on May 4.

However, the Russian attack failed - the Ukrainian military intercepted the enemy missile.

Wreckage of the Russian Kh-47m2 Kinzhal missile downed on May 4, 2023 over Kyiv. Photo credits: Ivan Korzh/Society

The officials marked Ukraine's first known successful use of the Patriot air defense system only weeks upon its arrival in the country. It is noted that the Ukrainian air defenders fired multiple missiles from the Patriot at different angles to intercept the Russian Kinzhal hypersonic missile.

Ukrainian defenders have demonstrated how quickly they have become adept at using the powerful system, one official said. The publication notes that the U.S. officials believe the Russians picked up on signals that were emitted from the Patriot air defense system, allowing them to target the system using the Kinzhal hypersonic missile.

Modified MiG-31K fighter jet (board number "92 red") with a Kinzhal hypersonic aero-ballistic missile, 2018. Photo credits: Russian media

The Patriot missile system has a powerful radar to detect incoming targets at long-range, making it a potent air defense platform capable of intercepting ballistic missiles and more.

Although, the radar emission necessary to spot threats at a distance also makes it possible for the enemy to detect the Patriot battery and figure out its location. Previously, the Ukrainian Air Force announced that on May 4, a Russian Kinzhal hypersonic ballistic missile was shot down. Kh-47 missile was launched from MiG-31K fighter jet in the territory of Russia.

Patriot SAM system of the Ukrainian military.

Ukraine.

April 2023.

Frame from the video of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

According to the military, the enemy missile was shot down with the Patriot air defense system, given to Ukraine by Western allies as part of the defense assistance to resist the Russian invasion.