Ukraine Destroys Putin’s Overly Hyped Kinzhal Missile with an American NIM-104 Patriot

by Maya Carlin, Warrior Contributor, Weapons

Like so much of Russia’s most hyped military equipment, its hypersonic Kinzhal missile has not performed as expected during the invasion of Ukraine.

In early May, Ukrainian forces shot down a Kinzhal missile. The Kremlin has claimed this missile can overcome all existing air defense systems, but obviously, the Kinzhal was not impervious to the American-made MIM-104 Patriot missile used in the interception.

This incident was significant since it marked the first time Kyiv was able to take down this advanced Russian weapon.

By the end of 2024, the U.S. will hand over five additional Patriot systems to Ukraine.

Why Kyiv Needs the Patriot System

In the early months of Russia’s invasion, Ukraine was extremely vulnerable to missile and unmanned aerial vehicle barrages. On a near-daily basis, these attacks were injuring and killing many Ukrainians as well as destroying critical infrastructure and public spaces. In an effort to aid Kyiv’s defensive capabilities against such barrages, the U.S. provided the country with arguably the most sophisticated air defense systems on the planet. 

This week, the U.S. defense contractor that produces the systems revealed it would increase its annual output to 12 Patriots. According to Raytheon Technologies’ chief executive, the defense giant has been “very surprised” at the system’s effectiveness. Kyiv currently operates the sole American-delivered Patriot in addition to one provided by Germany and the Netherlands.

“The Patriot will contribute to the air defense capabilities that Ukraine already has,” said Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder. “It’s something that will enable them to take down … ballistic missiles, adversary aircraft; [it’s] really up to them on how they employ it. But this is part of a broader effort by the United States and the international community to provide Ukraine with the air defense capabilities that it needs to defend its population and its armed forces.”