Ukraine’s SAMP/T Missile System Downs First Russian Jet
A Ukrainian SAMP/T battery successfully intercepted a Russian aircraft, highlighting the system’s effectiveness as a European alternative to the American Patriot. However, both SAMP/T Aster missiles and Patriot missiles are in critically short supply, jeopardizing Ukraine’s air defenses. While Ukraine possesses a total of eight long-range air defense batteries (two SAMP/T and six Patriot), the slow production rates of both Aster and Patriot missiles pose a significant challenge to sustaining sufficient defensive capabilities. This shortage underscores the urgency for increased production and the need for a reliable, independent European defense system.
John Q. Hosedrinker