Plan B for Ukrainian skies: What alternatives to Patriot does Ukraine have?

The abrupt shift in Washington's rhetoric and its rapid rapprochement with Russia following the arrival of Trump and his team in power raises concerns about the future of the war in Ukraine. The desire of the Oval Office occupant to strike a quick "deal" has already led even President Zelensky to consider alternative sources of military assistance.

According to one hypothetical scenario, Ukraine's refusal to align with the U.S. position in negotiations could result in a complete or partial cessation of support from their side. Nevertheless, the United States remains Ukraine's primary ally, providing significant contributions to our country’s defense capabilities. In particular, many of its air defense systems are currently protecting the skies over Ukraine. Consequently, a scenario in which the U.S. stops supplying us with munitions for the Patriot air defense system could pave the way for Russian missiles and aerial bombs.

Or could it?

"Telegraph" delved into the situation and explains: How Ukraine can defend its skies if the U.S. refuses to supply us.

The head of the communications department of the Ukrainian Air Force Command, Yuri Ignat, stated in a comment to our publication that he cannot disclose political decisions. However, he explained that in addition to Patriot, Ukraine possesses various systems. Moreover, air defense is equipped within all components of the Defense Forces. However, all systems have different characteristics.

"Air defense is always needed and in large quantities. It is required against both aerodynamic and ballistic targets", he added.

First, about Patriot

The American Patriot air defense system is designed to protect various military bases, industrial, or administrative centers. It intercepts tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and aircraft in any weather conditions.

Technical specifications of the Patriot missile system

• Maximum interception range – 80 km (in a 90° sector)
• Minimum interception range – 3 km.
• Maximum altitude for interception – 24 km.
• Minimum altitude for interception – 0.06 km.
• Number of targets engaged simultaneously – 8 (in a 90° sector)
• Probability of target defeat – 0.8 (in combat conditions, 0.4-0.6)
• Deployment time: 30 minutes.

The Patriot air defense system has various modifications. In 2023, the Armed Forces of Ukraine began using Patriot PAC-3 systems supplied by the U.S. and Germany in the war against Russia.

What "main" European air defense systems does Ukraine have

In addition to the American air defense systems, the Defense Forces also have European systems.

The first that comes to mind is the SAMP/T air defense system. By the way, it was largely developed by Europe as an analogue of the Patriot.

SAMP/T

The SAMP/T air defense system is the newest among those in service with EU countries, although its development began back in 1989, and it was adopted in 2014. The SAMP/T, like the Patriot, can intercept short- and medium-range cruise and ballistic missiles, as well as drones and aircraft.

Specifications

• Range against aircraft – 3-100 km,
• Range against ballistic missiles – 3-35 km,
• Altitude of engagement – 25 km,
• Missile speed – average 900-1000 m/s, maximum 1400 m/s,
• Length of missile – 4.9 m,
• Launch mass of missile – 510 kg,
• Warhead mass – 15-20 kg.

Among the features of the SAMP/T air defense system is simultaneous targeting of 16 different targets, the use of a standardized guided missile (AAM) Aster-30, and the declared interception range of the Aster 30 missiles against aerodynamic targets exceeds 100 km.

NASAMS

This mobile surface-to-air missile system hails from Norway, developed collaboratively by Norwegian and American engineers. It can intercept drones, ballistic missiles, helicopters, aircraft, cruise missiles, and other potential airspace threats at low and medium altitudes.

Specifications:

• Range: from 2.5 to 40 km;
• Target altitude: from 30 m to 16 km;
• Response time: 10 sec;
• Deployment/retraction time: 15/3 min;
• Target speed: up to 1000 m/s.

IRIS-T

German IRIS-T systems can counteract air-to-ground missiles and cruise missiles, including low-flying stealth missiles like the "Kalibr".

Specifications of the IRIS-T SLM system:

• Purpose – to intercept aircraft, helicopters, UAVs, cruise missiles,
• Range – 40 km,
• Operating altitude – 20 km,
• Number of missiles – 8 pcs,
• Missile launch – vertical,
• Guidance system – infrared homing head that differentiates thermal "decoys" and homes in exclusively on the target.
• The battery consists of three launchers that can be transported on various trucks.

It is worth noting that there are two types of the IRIS-T systems: IRIS-T SLM and IRIS-T SLS. Their foundation is a missile with an infrared homing head, and the abbreviation itself stands for IRIS-T. IRIS-T SLM is a medium-range air defense system with a range of 40 km and an altitude of 20 km. IRIS-T SLS is a short-range air defense system with a range of 12 km and an altitude of up to 8 km.

Aspide

The name Aspide is more related to the missiles for these systems, as they are multipurpose and can be deployed on ground, naval, and aerial platforms.

Specifications:

• Range – 35 km,
• Maximum altitude – 8 km,
• Missile length – 3.7 m,
• Guidance system – monopulse, manufactured by Selenia.

Aspide systems are most effective in protecting strategic facilities such as industrial enterprises, airfields, and seaports.

Recall that we previously wrote about what is known regarding the X-59 missiles used for attacks on Ukraine.

Crotale

The French all-weather short-range air defense system is intended for engaging air targets at medium, low, and very low altitudes, such as attack drones. As written by RBC Ukraine, it is likely that the Ukrainian side received the latest version Crotale NG (Next Generation). This version is based on an armored chassis Hotchkiss P4R 4x4 and is equipped with several sensors developed by Thales. Specifically, this version is designed to eliminate fixed-wing aircraft, attack helicopters, cruise and tactical missiles, as well as drones.

Specifications:

• Firing range: 500-10,000 m
• Engagement altitude: up to 6000 m
• Number of missiles per launcher: 8 pcs.
• Reaction time: 5 sec
• Maximum missile speed: 2.6 M.
• Flight time at 8000 m range: 10 sec.
• Length: 2290 mm
• Body diameter: 165 mm
• Missile weight: 73 kg
• Warhead: fragmentation, directional
• Warhead weight: 14 kg</