Patriot Missile

Patriot Missile : Recently, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Ukraine will be provided with Patriot missile defence systems as part of a new U.S. military aid package. The decision received strong approval from Kyiv, which continues to endure persistent Russian aerial attacks.

• About Patriot Missile : Stands for Phased Array Tracking Radar for Intercept on Target.

o It is an all-altitude, all-weather, surface-to-air missile defense system developed by Raytheon Technologies Corp.

o Originally designed to counter aircraft, modern variants now defend against ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, loitering munitions, and enemy aircraft.

o It is the most advanced air defence system of the U.S. Army and is also used by many allied nations.

o Technological Features: Utilizes a Track-Via-Missile (TVM) guidance system.

- Midcourse corrections are provided by the mobile engagement control center.

o Interceptor Variants: PAC-2 interceptor: Uses a blast-fragmentation warhead.

- PAC-3 interceptor: Features hit-to-kill technology for precision targeting.

o Range and Reach : Reach altitudes of over 24 kilometers.

- Strike targets at distances up to 160 kilometers, depending on the version.

- The radar system has a range of over 150 kilometers (93 miles).

o First deployed during the 1991 Gulf War, defending Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Israel.