What Is Patriot and Why Is It Key for Ukraine?

CNN has gathered the most important information about the famous US air defense system.

Patriot missiles are a key element of the US Army's air defense system. Recently, they intercepted 13 of 14 Iranian missiles fired at a US Air Force base in Qatar. The latest versions of the system can destroy ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as drones, at an altitude of up to 15 km and a range of up to 35 km.

How does a Patriot battery work? It consists of 6-8 launchers (16 missiles each), a phased-array radar, a control station, and a power supply station, which are mounted on trucks and trailers. The battery is serviced by about 90 people, but in a combat situation, it can be operated by just three soldiers in the command and control center.

A very high cost. The Patriot is very expensive: the cost of a complete set of launchers, radars, and interceptor missiles exceeds one billion dollars, writes CNN.

It is recalled that the US President stated that the missiles could reach Ukraine faster if they were transferred from European NATO allies. According to Military Balance 2025 data, Germany, Greece, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, and Spain have Patriot batteries in their arsenals.