SOURCE: AFI
In a dramatic escalation of precision warfare in Ukraine, Russia’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) has released footage showing an overnight strike on a defense industry target in Chernigov using an Iskander missile. The Russian MoD claimed a “surgical hit” on a facility involved in the production of drones, missiles, and explosive devices for Ukraine’s armed forces.
The video, widely circulated on Russian and international platforms, shows a barrage of interceptor missiles—believed to be launched from Patriot PAC-1/2 air defense systems—lighting up the night sky. Despite the volume of interceptors fired, none managed to hit the incoming Iskander-M missile, which penetrated the defensive shield and struck its intended target with devastating accuracy.
This incident has reignited debate over the effectiveness of the Patriot missile defense system, particularly the PAC-1 and PAC-2 variants that were originally designed in the Cold War era for slower and less maneuverable threats. While the Patriot system has seen extensive use globally—including high-profile deployment in Ukraine and previously in Israel and Saudi Arabia—its record remains mixed when facing high-speed, evasive ballistic targets like the Iskander-M.
The failure to intercept the incoming missile despite numerous interceptor launches has led to renewed scrutiny. Military analysts are pointing out that such performance raises uncomfortable questions about the system’s capability, especially considering the significant financial and logistical costs associated with deploying Patriot batteries.
The Iskander-M missile, with a range of 500 km and the ability to maneuver at hypersonic speeds (over Mach 5) during its terminal phase, represents one of the most formidable threats in Russia’s tactical missile arsenal. Unlike traditional ballistic missiles, the Iskander-M is designed to evade air defenses through unpredictable flight paths, decoys, and extreme maneuverability.
This puts it in a class above missiles like Pakistan’s Fateh-2, which, while modern and tactically significant, lacks the same level of agility and speed that makes the Iskander-M a “different beast altogether.” The Iskander’s precision strike capability was again on full display in the Chernigov strike, validating its role as a critical component of Russia’s battlefield superiority.
The performance of the Patriot system in this case starkly contrasts with successful interception records claimed by India using the indigenously developed S-400 Triumf and Akash missile systems. During recent high-intensity drills and live operational scenarios, both systems demonstrated a higher interception efficiency against a variety of aerial threats including subsonic cruise missiles and fast-moving drones.
The S-400, with its multi-layered engagement envelope and ability to target multiple threats simultaneously, has emerged as a formidable shield. India’s Akash SAM system, though older and designed for short-range engagements, has also shown impressive reliability in trials against low-flying targets.
The latest strike in Chernigov has broader implications. It underscores the evolving complexity of modern missile warfare and highlights a growing asymmetry in air defense effectiveness. While advanced systems like the Patriot have historically been considered gold standards, real-world performance—especially against agile, hypersonic threats—is now being questioned.
For countries investing in air defense modernization, including India, Israel, and several NATO members, this incident serves as a reminder that older systems must continuously evolve or risk obsolescence. The strike also reinforces Russia’s ongoing ability to conduct deep, precise strikes within Ukraine, despite the growing density of NATO-standard defensive systems in the region.
NOTE: AFI is a proud outsourced content creator partner of IDRW.ORG. All content created by AFI is the sole property of AFI and is protected by copyright. AFI takes copyright infringement seriously and will pursue all legal options available to protect its content.