Russia’s Enhanced Iskander Missiles Outpace Ukraine’s Patriot Defenses.

Ukraine’s U.S.-supplied Patriot air defense systems are facing mounting difficulties against Russia’s upgraded Iskander-M ballistic missiles, according to a new report from The War Zone, citing assessments by the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA).

A Pentagon Office of Inspector General (OIG) statement released on August 14 revealed that Russian forces have implemented a series of tactical and technical enhancements to the Iskander system. These include improved countermeasures, advanced decoys, faster maneuvering reentry vehicles, and trajectory modifications designed to complicate interception.

These advancements are reportedly degrading the Patriot’s effectiveness, forcing the Ukrainian Air Force to adapt and search for new defensive tactics. The report underscores the evolving technological contest between Russia’s missile capabilities and Ukraine’s air defense network, with significant implications for the ongoing war.

The DIA assessment warns that if Russia continues refining its missile technology at this pace, Ukrainian forces may face increasing challenges in protecting key military and civilian infrastructure.

Source: The War Zone.