Patriot Air Defense Training Commences in Germany for 70 Ukrainian Servicemen

Some 70 Ukrainian servicemen arrived in Germany on Thursday to learn how to operate the Patriot air defense system.

The German news agency DPA learned about it, DW reports.

At the beginning of January this year, Germany decided to transfer this air defense system to Ukraine to protect against Russian air attacks.

The Ukrainian servicemen arrived in Germany as early as January 31, and training is scheduled to start on February 2.

The U.S. government announced that it would provide one Patriot battery to Ukraine as part of the December military aid package. Subsequently, the German government made the same statement, agreeing to transfer another battery.

Ukraine will also receive two Patriot launchers from the Netherlands.

MIM-104 Patriot is an American anti-aircraft missile system produced by a group of American companies led by Raytheon. The system was developed as a universal air defense weapon at medium and high altitudes.

Patriot is a radio-guided SAM. The guidance of its missile to the target is conducted by controlling the radio channel on the ground radar signal reflected from the target.

Patriot SAM is capable of hitting air targets at altitudes up to 24.2 km. Its range depends on the type of missile and comes between 50 and 160 km. Depending on the version, the air defense system can also intercept ballistic targets.