Since Kyiv began receiving Patriot air defense systems two years ago, the US military has closely observed Ukraine's operational methods to glean valuable insights.

Lieutenant Colonel James Compton, an officer with the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, confirmed that Ukraine's Patriot systems "have performed well" against the threat, despite Russia deploying a variety of weapons in its attacks.

Costing over 1 billion USD per system, Patriot batteries form the backbone of Ukraine's air defenses, prioritized to protect Kyiv and critical infrastructure. They are considered the only weapon in Ukraine's arsenal capable of countering Russia's Kinzhal hypersonic missiles and Iskander-M ballistic missiles.

This makes the Patriot systems prime targets for Russia. The Ukrainian military has adopted numerous protective measures, including frequent relocation to make detection and targeting more difficult.

Compton stated that this is one of the lessons the US is learning from Ukraine. "The conflict has introduced new concepts, such as methods to enhance Patriot mobility," he said.

This is a complex task because a Patriot battery comprises various components: a command vehicle, radar for surveillance and fire control, a power generator, up to 8 launchers, and dozens of operating personnel.

Compton did not elaborate on Ukraine's specific methods. Warrant Officer Sanjeev Siva, a technician with the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, noted that Ukrainian Patriot crews prioritize movement discipline, employ camouflage and concealment tactics, and utilize other measures not seen in decades.

"Ukrainian forces have shown remarkable ingenuity in deploying and modifying Patriot sites to improve survivability," Compton said.

Commercial satellite imagery used by Google Maps late last year revealed a Patriot site at Zhulyany International Airport in Kyiv, with each launcher positioned in a separate emplacement, spaced at least 100 m apart. This minimizes damage during attacks, preventing a single strike from destroying multiple launchers.

Patriot site at Kyiv airport in satellite imagery released in 10/2024. Image: Google

Ukraine also deploys various missile and self-propelled anti-aircraft artillery systems around the airport to defend the Patriot site against suicide drones (UAVs).

To prevent information leakage about site layouts, Ukraine subsequently requested Google to blur satellite imagery, obscuring details.

Earlier this year, Ukrainian soldiers began fitting approximately 200 8-mm thick steel plates around the Patriot battery's command vehicle, where the operating crew controls the system, to protect personnel from missile fragments and blast pressure.

The Ukrainian manufacturer stated that the armor weighs about 2.6 tons but doesn't affect vehicle mobility or operation. They added that the armor is now in mass production.

"Ukrainian forces have demonstrated that Patriots can be field-modified to protect crews," Compton said, adding that Ukrainian forces can also quickly maintain and repair the systems in challenging conditions.

According to Siva, US planners are also learning about "creating decoys and camouflaging equipment." He did not provide specifics, but both Russia and Ukraine use various types of decoys to deceive the enemy and deplete their firepower.

These decoys, inflatable or wooden, range from crude objects to sophisticated replicas of actual equipment.

Patriot launcher at an undisclosed location in Ukraine in 8/2024. Image: Reuters

Ukraine has also released photos showing camouflage netting on Patriot launchers to make them harder for Russian reconnaissance to detect.

Despite these efforts, Ukraine's Patriot systems have suffered losses after two years of war. Russia has repeatedly released videos of strikes on Patriot sites and convoys, destroying radar, command vehicles, and launchers.

Ukraine's dwindling ammunition supply and Russia's continuous upgrades to its Iskander-M ballistic missiles also make interceptions increasingly challenging.

"The enemy is actively learning from encounters with Western weapons, including the Patriot system, and rapidly adapting to counter our defenses. It's a constant cycle of adaptation," Siva said.

US media in May, citing anonymous officials, reported that Ukraine possesses at least 8 Patriot systems, 6 operational and two under repair. Ukraine's systems are equipped with the most advanced US-made PAC-3 MSE missiles, with a range of 120 km against aircraft and 60 km against ballistic missiles.

Steel plates added to the side of a Patriot command vehicle in January. Image: Steel Front

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius announced on 14/7 that Berlin and Washington would decide on transferring more Patriot systems to Kyiv "in the next few days or weeks."

Pistorius stated that Germany had offered to purchase Patriot systems from the US for Ukraine. Working-level talks would finalize details, including the number of launchers and missiles. After signing an agreement, Germany could deliver the first system to Ukraine "within a few months."

Pham Giang (According to Business Insider, AFP)