Source: The Hindu

Disclaimer: Copyright infringement not intended.

Context:

• The United States and its allies will deliver to Ukraine five additional air defence systems, including Patriot missile batteries and Patriot components.

Details:

About Patriot Air Defence System ( Phased Array Tracking Radar for  Intercept on Target))

The MIM-104 PATRIOT air defense system, developed by Raytheon Technologies Corp, was introduced into service with the U.S. Army in the early 1980s and is one of the most advanced systems in the U.S. arsenal. It was first used in combat during the 1991 Gulf War and later during the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq. The latest modification, PAC-3, intercepts targets up to 24 km high and can engage ballistic and cruise missiles, drifting munitions, and aircraft. Three (PAC-3) program is an air-defense, guided missile system with long-range, medium- to high-altitude, all-weather capabilities. It is designed to counter tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and advanced aircraft.

Technical Overview

• Radar System: The Patriot radar system is capable of detecting and tracking multiple targets over a long range. It uses phased array radar technology to maintain continuous surveillance and guidance.
• Missile Interceptors: The system employs multiple types of interceptors, including the PAC-2 and PAC-3 missiles, designed to engage and destroy different classes of threats.
• Command and Control: Advanced command and control systems allow for seamless coordination between radar, interceptors, and other integrated defense systems.

The PATRIOT uses advanced interceptor missiles and highly effective radar systems. The main functions of the system are four:

• Connection,
• Command and control
• Radar surveillance
• Missile guidance

Features of PATRIOT:

Mobility	Mobile system with components moved on trucks or trailers, deployable in less than an hour
Components	Powerful radar, control station, power generator, launch stations, and other support vehicles
Launch Capacity	1 PAC-3 launcher: 4 MIM-104 missiles (various types, including GEM-T) or 16 ERINT missiles
Battery Composition	Up to 8 launchers per PATRIOT battery
Effective Range	Average range of 150 km
Target Tracking	Tracks targets moving at speeds up to 2,200 m/s at distances up to 180 km
Interceptor Capabilities	PAC-2: Blast-fragmentation warhead; PAC-3: Advanced hit-to-kill technology

Operational Use: The Patriot missile system has been used in various conflicts to protect critical infrastructure and military assets:

• Gulf War: The system gained prominence during the Gulf War, successfully intercepting Iraqi Scud missiles.
• Recent Deployments: The United States and its allies have continued to deploy Patriot systems in Europe, the Middle East, and East Asia to counter potential threats from adversaries like Iran and North Korea.

Strategic Implications:

• Enhancing Defense Capacity: These systems significantly improve Ukraine’s ability to intercept and neutralize incoming threats, thereby protecting civilian populations and critical infrastructure.
• Deterrence: The presence of advanced air defense systems acts as a deterrent against further escalation by adversaries, as it complicates their attack strategies.
• Strengthening Alliances: This support demonstrates the solidarity and commitment of the U.S. and its allies to uphold international norms and provide security assistance to Ukraine.

 

READ ABOUT IT IN DETAIL- https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/patriot-advanced-capability-3-pac-3#:~:text=The%20Patriot%20missile%20system%2C%20formally,aircraft%2C%20cruise%20missiles%2C%20and%20Tactical

ADDITIONAL- https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/patriotic-missile

Source:

https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/us-allies-announce-additional-air-defence-systems-for-ukraine/article68387649.ece

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Consider the following statements: It is an all-altitude, all-weather surface-to-air missile defense system to counter tactical ballistic missiles. It is the Russian Army’s most advanced air defense system. The system was first used in combat during the Russia-Ukraine War. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1,2 and 3 Correct Answer: (a)