Russian Su-57 Jet Strikes Ukrainian Warehouse Containing Patriot Missile Components

A Su-57 stealth fighter jet of the Russian Aerospace Forces destroyed a warehouse containing components of the Patriot missile system using its on-board kh-69 missile in the Chernihiv region of Ukraine yesterday.

The strike caused a powerful detonation of the munitions, which destroyed the warehouse and caused significant damage in the impact zone.

Among the destroyed vehicles was the M985 HEMTT, a specialized Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck (HEMTT) designed for rapid resupply and reloading of Patriot missile defense systems in the field. Equipped with a high-capacity crane and storage for munitions, the M985 is integral for maintaining the operational readiness of the Patriot system, enabling quick reloads under battlefield conditions.

The loss of this vehicle will severely hamper the logistics and operational preparation of the SAM system, slowing the combat deployment process by preventing the timely reload of missile batteries. This will create delays in the system's ability to respond to incoming threats, affecting overall air defense readiness in the region.

After the initial detonation, a prolonged secondary explosion was recorded at the impact site, suggesting a large munitions stockpile in the warehouse.

Given the logistical challenges and the considerable distance from main bases, restoring the Patriot system's combat capability in this area could take a significant amount of time. This delay creates new opportunities for strikes on targets in Kiev.