Artillery, helicopters, armored vehicles, ground radar and thousands of small arms and ammunitions are arriving in Ukraine and reportedly making a huge difference in the ongoing war to repel the Russian invasion.
However, while ground radar can help Ukrainians see incoming ballistic missiles and rockets, it does not include the interceptors needed to knock them out of the sky en route to Ukrainian targets. Russian cruise missiles still need to be stopped, as several very recently hit Kyiv despite the Eastern focus of the war.
Artillery reaching 30mm could potentially target Russian launch sites with the right surveillance, targeting and precision, however it appears the Ukrainians may still need more powerful “interceptors” themselves for missile defense. Air Defenses can be helpful, but there are a few key technologies not yet on the list of provided equipment which could give Ukrainians and opportunity to better defend against incoming Russian ballistic missiles and rockets.
Patriot Missile
One option is the Patriot interceptor missile, an air defense weapon used with great effect in Iraq over the years. Using a radar and fire control system, the Patriot can track and then fire an interceptor to take out an approaching enemy missile in flight.
When asked if the Patriot could go to Ukraine, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said the weapon would not be sent because it requires US soldiers to operate and the US is of course reluctant to put US forces on the ground.