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Russia claims a Su-35 fighter jet struck elements of a US-made Patriot air-defence system in Ukraine with a Kh-31PM missile fired from round 125 km away.
Russian fighter jets hearth missiles throughout a navy train. The picture is getting used with a report on Russia’s declare {that a} Su-35 fighter jet struck elements of a US-made Patriot air-defence system in Ukraine, as a consultant picture. (IMAGE: REUTERS FILE)
Russia on Sunday claimed that its Su-35 fighter jet struck elements of a US-made Patriot air-defence system in Ukraine utilizing an anti-radiation missile fired from round 125 km away, in a reported strike that comes as Kyiv faces a rising scarcity of Patriot interceptors.
In accordance with Navy Watch Journal, Russian sources launched footage displaying a Su-35 firing a Kh-31PM anti-radiation missile at what they recognized as elements of a Ukrainian Patriot system.
The footage exhibits the launch and the reported launch distance, however doesn’t independently set up {that a} Patriot system was destroyed.
Su-35S firing Kh-31PM anti-radiation missile on the Patriot SAM. In accordance with the goal vary cue, the missile was fired from ~125 km. As a result of dynamic launch zone, minimal launch vary is ~55 km. There isn’t a mark displaying most launch vary, so it may be 200 km or above. pic.twitter.com/q6DZ6r4alr— Flanker (@Su_35S_Flanker) August 21, 2026
Aviation publication MiGFlug stated Russian sources claimed the missile focused a Ukrainian air-defence radar and that some accounts recognized it as a part of a Patriot battery, whereas noting that Ukraine has not confirmed the strike.
How The Kh-31PM Hunts Air Defences
The Kh-31PM is an anti-radiation missile, that means it’s designed to detect and residential in on electromagnetic emissions from enemy radar methods. A radar that’s actively scanning for incoming threats may reveal its location to a weapon particularly designed to hunt its emissions.
Why A Patriot Is A Excessive-Worth Goal
The reported goal is important as a result of the MIM-104 Patriot is amongst Ukraine’s most necessary air-defence methods, notably for countering ballistic missiles.
The alleged strike comes at a troublesome time for Ukraine, which is struggling to keep up provides of Patriot interceptors as Russia continues its missile and drone assaults.
A latest Wall Avenue Journal report highlighted the dwindling provide of Patriot missiles accessible to Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has continued to press the US and different allies for extra Patriot interceptors.
Key Questions Answered
Ask News18Ukraine is looking for to switch its dwindling Patriot missile provide by accelerated deliveries of French gear and missiles, and doubtlessly by licensed manufacturing of Patriot interceptor missiles in Ukraine, a transfer supported by US President Donald Trump.
Ask News18Concerning the Creator
Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a chief sub editor at News18. He covers worldwide affairs, the place he focuses on breaking information to in-depth analyses. He has over seven years of expertise throughout which he has …Learn Extra
August 24, 2026, 16:36 IST
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