America’s much-famed Patriot systems can’t intercept Russian intermediate-range missiles, but Ukraine may…

New Delhi: When US President Joe Biden authorised Ukraine to use American “Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS)” long-range missiles for strikes within Russian territory, it marked a significant shift from USA’s previous focus on conflict reduction and it was believed that the ATACMS would prove to be a turning point in the long-running conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
However, that was not be as Russia, on November 21, retaliated with a series of attacks on Ukraine’s Dnipro city using the RS-26 Rubezh Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM), marking the first time such missiles have been deployed in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
Ukraine could not intercept these Russian ICBMs though it has demonstrated its ability to intercept Russia’s hypersonic missiles, relying on advanced systems such as the US-made Patriot.
But using the Patriot systems is proving expensive for Ukraine as 32 Patriot missiles were required to counter these hypersonic threats. According to Ukraine, it can intercept around 25% of missiles like the Kinzhal and Zircon. However, successful interception requires precise intelligence, rapid identification, and the simultaneous deployment of nearly all 32 Patriot launchers. Despite these measures, hypersonic missiles can sometimes evade air defenses due to their high speed and maneuverability.
In simple language, this means that American-produced Patriot missile systems are not capable to intercept or neutralise Russian intermediate-range ballistic missiles.
Russia struck Dnipro with a missile system it has never used against Ukraine before and inflicted heavy damages. The intermediate-range missiles can be launched from 1,000 to 5,500 km but the range is not the most crucial factor.
The fact is that Russia used a projectile intended for a nuclear strike and some defence experts opine that it was equipped with a reentry warhead.
Meanwhile, it is also said that there were no warheads attached to the missiles and it was the sheer force of the kinetic energy that caused the damage as the missiles went through the ground and forcefully shook that area, just like an earthquake.
Major General Vadym Skibitsky, Deputy Head of the Ukrainian intelligence agency, has warned that Russia is likely to have a stock of upto 10-12 such missiles and will likely conduct new test launches in the future.
Ukrainian President has said that he will ask America to supply it with Tomahawk missiles.
If it is materialised then Russia will not sit quiet and launch some even more powerful and destructive projectile.