Russia Claims Su-35 Struck US-Made Patriot System in Ukraine From 125 Km
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Russia has claimed that a Su-35 fighter jet destroyed components of a US-made Patriot air-defence system in Ukraine using a Kh-31PM anti-radiation missile launched from about 125 km away.
Russian Claim Centres on Patriot Air Defence System
According to reports citing Russia’s Defence Ministry and Military Watch Magazine, the Su-35 launched a Kh-31PM missile targeting components of a Ukrainian MIM-104 Patriot system.
The reported launch distance was around 125 km. The claim has emerged as Ukraine faces mounting pressure over shortages of Patriot interceptor missiles amid continued Russian missile and drone attacks.
The reported strike has not been independently verified, and details of the extent of any damage to the Patriot system remain unclear.
Kh-31PM Designed to Hunt Radar Signals
The Kh-31PM is an anti-radiation missile designed to detect and home in on radar emissions.
This makes such weapons particularly relevant in attempts to suppress enemy air-defence systems, where radar installations are essential for detecting and tracking incoming threats.
Reports said the missile was launched by a Russian Su-35 from approximately 125 km away. The Kh-31 family has previously been associated with Russian efforts to target Ukrainian air-defence assets.
Ukraine Faces Patriot Interceptor Shortage
The reported incident comes at a difficult time for Ukraine's air-defence network.
Patriot systems have become one of Kyiv's most important tools for countering Russian ballistic missile attacks. Ukraine has repeatedly sought additional interceptors from its allies as Russian missile strikes continue.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has publicly pressed the United States and European partners for additional Patriot missiles, while shortages have raised concerns about Kyiv's ability to defend major cities and strategic infrastructure.
Russia-Ukraine Air War Intensifies
The reported Patriot strike comes amid continued Russian missile and drone attacks across Ukraine.
Recent Russian barrages have included ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and large numbers of drones. Ukraine has also intensified long-range strikes against targets inside Russia, including oil and military-related infrastructure.
The pressure on Ukraine's air-defence inventory has become a growing concern as Russia continues to use ballistic missiles that require sophisticated interceptor systems.
Claim Still Awaits Independent Confirmation
While Russian sources have claimed that the Su-35 successfully struck Patriot components, independent confirmation of the target, damage and operational impact is not currently available.
The reported 125-km engagement nevertheless highlights the growing contest between Russian efforts to locate and suppress Ukrainian air-defence systems and Kyiv's attempts to preserve its limited supply of advanced Western-made interceptors.
