Ukraine claims to have successfully intercepted a Russian hypersonic missile using a Patriot air defense system for the first time.
The commander of the Ukrainian Air Force, Mykola Oleshchuk, posted on Telegram on Saturday, “Yes, we have intercepted the ‘unmatched’ Kinzhal,’” adding an emoji of the Ukrainian flag.
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Oleshchuk said the interception had place on May 4 during a nighttime raid over Kyiv.
Hypersonic ballistic missile Kh-47 Kinzhal. It is challenging to intercept since it moves at a speed ten times that of sound and can be shot from a distance away from the battlefield.
Ukraine has received at least two Patriot systems, one from the United States and one from Germany, to enhance its air defenses, which have previously been unable to intercept more modern Russian missiles such as the Kinzhal.
If it is confirmed that Ukraine successfully shot down Kinzhal it raises questions about Russian capabilities.
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Ukrainian air force spokesman Yurii Inhat said Saturday that the Russians said “the Patriot is an outdated American weapon, and Russian weapons are the best in the world.”
“Well, there is confirmation that it effectively works against even a super hypersonic missile,” Ihnat said, adding that intercepting the Kinzhal is “a slap in the face for Russia.”
Last month Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov said that Patriots would be critical in defending Ukrainian infrastructure against ballistic missiles.
“Building a multi-level air and missile defense system as soon as possible is our priority,” he declared. “This is to protect peaceful cities, critical infrastructure, and our people in the rear and at the front. Patriot systems create a capability that did not exist before – to defeat ballistic targets.”
Source: TheIndependentGhana | Read More
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