An American-made missile defense system was used to intercept and destroy a Russian hypersonic missile, according to a high-ranking official in Ukraine.
A commander in the Ukrainian air force named Mykola Oleshchuk has made the claim that Ukrainian forces have shot down one of Russia’s hypersonic missiles using the American-made Patriot Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) defense system that the country has been receiving from the United States, Germany, and the Netherlands since last month.
Some have speculated that Russia’s Kh-47 hypersonic missile, which can travel at velocities up to ten times that of sound, is technologically superior to the United States’ existing capabilities.
Due to the missile’s great speed, it is believed to be exceedingly difficult to intercept using traditional methods.
If confirmed, this would be the first time Ukrainian forces have successfully intercepted a ballistic missile, which may be a major triumph for Kyiv.
More Weapons, Please! Ukraine Would Become Like Syria if We’re Allowed to Run Out of Air Defence Missiles, Kyiv Says https://t.co/wcRzhuENFz
— Breitbart London (@BreitbartLondon) April 17, 2023
Oleshchuk allegedly claimed in a Telegram message that Ukraine had used a decades-old American defense system to shoot down one of Russia’s hypersonic missiles.
“It happened during the night attack on May 4 in the sky of Kyiv Region,” the commander wrote, in what is seen as a vindication of the U.S. technology, which has received numerous upgrades since first seeing service.
“When loud explosions are heard in the air, my daughter reassures the neighbors every time with the words: calm down, our air defense is working!” he added. “Talk to your neighbors, help each other in difficult moments, believe in our Air Force, believe in air defense!”
It has been reported that Ukrainian Air Force spokesperson Yurii Ihnat called the successful interception a “slap in the face” for Russia.
“They were saying that the Patriot is an outdated American weapon, and Russian weapons are the best in the world,” he reportedly told one TV station in the country.
“Well, there is confirmation that it effectively works against even a super hypersonic missile,” he went on to say.
Russian propaganda site RT announced on Saturday that Russia has shot down at least two Ukrainian ballistic missiles over the Crimean Peninsula, which Russia had unjustly invaded from Ukraine in 2014.
