Why in News?
The United States and European allies are sending Patriot air defence systems to Ukraine to strengthen its defence against Russian missile and drone attacks. Ukraine has used the system to intercept advanced threats, including Russia’s Kinzhal hypersonic missile.
Description:
- Full Form: Phased Array Tracking Radar for Intercept on Target.
- Type: Mobile, all-altitude, all-weather, surface-to-air missile (SAM) system.
- Role: Intercepts enemy aircraft, tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and loitering munitions.
Origin and Manufacturer:
- Developed by Raytheon Technologies Corporation (USA).
- In service with the US Army since the 1980s.
Deployment History:
- Combat Proven:
- First used in the 1991 Gulf War (defending Saudi Arabia, Israel, Kuwait).
- Used in 2003 US invasion of Iraq.
- Widely exported to US allies:
- Examples: Germany, Greece, Israel, Japan, Kuwait, Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Poland, Sweden, Qatar, UAE, Romania, Spain, Taiwan.
Key Features:
- Battery Components:
- Phased Array Radar.
- Engagement Control Station.
- Up to 8 launchers (each with 4 ready-to-fire missiles).
- Power and computer systems.
- Radar Range: Over 150 km.
- Missile Range: Up to 160 km (varies by interceptor type).
- Altitude: Intercepts targets >24 km.
Missile Variants:
- PAC-2:
- Uses blast-fragmentation warhead.
- PAC-3:
- Advanced “hit-to-kill” kinetic interceptor.
- Higher precision; designed to destroy ballistic missile warheads.
Working Principle:
- Track-via-Missile (TVM) guidance system.
- Radar tracks target and missile.
- Mid-course corrections from the Engagement Control Centre.
- Can intercept aircraft, cruise missiles, tactical ballistic missiles.
Use in Ukraine War:
- Context:
- Ukraine requested more Western air defences to counter Russian missile and drone attacks.
- The US and European partners have sent Patriot systems and interceptors.
- Capabilities in Ukraine:
- Successfully intercepted advanced threats (e.g., Russian Kinzhal hypersonic missile).
- Enhances Ukraine’s layered air defence.
La Excellence IAS Academy, the best IAS coaching in Hyderabad, known for delivering quality content and conceptual clarity for UPSC 2025 preparation.
FOLLOW US ON:
◉ YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@CivilsPrepTeam
◉ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaExcellenceIAS
◉ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laexcellenceiasacademy/
GET IN TOUCH:
Contact us at info@laex.in, https://laex.in/contact-us/
or Call us @ +91 9052 29 2929, +91 9052 99 2929, +91 9154 24 2140
OUR BRANCHES:
Head Office: H No: 1-10-225A, Beside AEVA Fertility Center, Ashok Nagar Extension, VV Giri Nagar, Ashok Nagar, Hyderabad, 500020
Madhapur: Flat no: 301, survey no 58-60, Guttala begumpet Madhapur metro pillar: 1524, Rangareddy Hyderabad, Telangana 500081
Bangalore: Plot No: 99, 2nd floor, 80 Feet Road, Beside Poorvika Mobiles, Chandra Layout, Attiguppe, Near Vijaya Nagara, Bengaluru, 560040
