Ukrainian Patriot SAM fixed and fully operational

18 May, 2023 Training of the Ukrainian military on the Patriot air defense system in Germany. February 2023. Photo credits: Ministry of Defense of the Federal Republic of Germany

The Pentagon confirmed that one Patriot air defense system in Ukraine was damaged. This was announced during a press briefing on Thursday by deputy Pentagon spokesman Sabrina Singh. However, following the repairs, the American anti-aircraft missile system is once again operational.

"I can confirm that one Patriot system has been damaged, but it has now been fixed and is fully operational," Singh said. Earlier this week, CNN reported, citing a U.S. official, that the Patriot installation was likely damaged but not destroyed after the Russian missile attack on Kyiv and the outskirts of the Ukrainian capital.

Sabrina Singh. Photo credits: Pentagon

Another U.S. official told CNN it was possible the missile hit one of several components of the Patriot battery.

Ukrainian officials stated on Tuesday that the Ukrainian defense forces successfully intercepted all six Kinzhal hypersonic missiles fired by the Russians. At the same time, the Ukrainian military did not comment on the Russians' claim that the Patriot system was damaged. "We can't comment on that.

We will not comment on Russian sources," said Yurii Ihnat, spokesman for the Ukrainian Air Forces.

SAM of the Ukrainian military. Frame from the video of the Ukrainian Air Forces

In April 2023, the second division of the Patriot system, which was transferred to Ukraine by the Allies, assumed combat duty.

One of the launcher's advantages is its ability to use various types of missiles to engage different enemy targets.

Patriot SAM system of the Ukrainian military. Ukraine. April 2023.

Frame from the video of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

Anti-aircraft missile systems and their components came to Ukraine from the United States, Germany, and the Netherlands.

According to Pentagon officials, the deployment of Patriot systems will enhance Ukraine's air defense capabilities by enabling the interception of enemy ballistic missiles and aircraft targeting both military and civilian assets.