In an interview with Babel, Ihnat cited the recent engagement where six of the nine incoming missiles were shot down.
Ihnat said Patriot systems automatically calculate an enemy missile’s flight trajectory and determine where the interceptor missile will meet its target. Although Russian missiles now maneuver laterally during their flight—complicating the task—the systems remain effective.
“We have long observed that Iskander and other Russian ballistic missiles have been flying on trajectories different from those seen at the start of the full-scale invasion, maneuvering and making the Patriot’s work more difficult,” he added.
Additionally, Russian ballistic missiles can launch up to six decoys to confuse air defense radars. Although this technology has been in use for about a year, it does not render the Patriot system ineffective, Ignat maintained.