Main points
- In 2026, Ukraine will receive an updated SAMP/T NG air defense system capable of intercepting ballistic missiles.
- Currently, Ukraine can only intercept ballistic missiles with the help of the Patriot air defense system.
In 2026, Ukraine will receive an updated SAMP/T NG air defense system, which should intercept ballistic missiles. This is extremely positive news. Especially against the background of the situation with the Patriot air defense system.
Reserve Colonel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, instructor pilot and military expert Roman Svitan told Channel 24 that currently only American Patriot air defense systems can intercept ballistic missiles. Ukraine also had the European SAMP/T air defense system in service, but it turned out to be ineffective against such weapons. Therefore, it was modified.
How are ballistic missiles intercepted?
According to Svitan, to put it simply, virtually any missile could work against a ballistic missile. But there are many issues with guidance. Not all anti-aircraft missile systems can calculate the trajectory of a ballistic missile.
There are different approaches to destroying enemy air targets. An interceptor missile can fly to the target and perform a radio detonation at the rendezvous point, after which a “cloud” of elements hits the missile. The PAC-3 uses a different approach to the Patriot air defense system. It actually crashes into the enemy missile, destroying it with kinetic energy.
The old SAMP/T systems could also intercept ballistics, but inefficiently. Now the French have refined their systems. They will be field tested in Ukraine to bring them to mass production. This is an excellent approach,
– said Svitan.
Please note! Earlier, the media reported that the SAMP/T air defense system, which was considered an analogue of the Patriot, has problems with intercepting ballistic missiles. The reason was the software and the insufficient number of necessary Aster 30 missiles.
Air defense for Ukraine
- The media has repeatedly said that the conflict in the Middle East could lead to a shortage of Patriot missiles. It is with the help of this SAM that Ukraine shoots down Russian ballistic missiles.
- President Volodymyr Zelenskyy acknowledged that such risks exist. A shortage of air defense assets could arise due to a war in Iran.
- Co-founder and chief designer of the defense company Fire Point, Denis Shtilerman, spoke about whether Ukraine is capable of producing its own air defense missiles. The prospect is no longer purely theoretical, but there are several important points.