The war in Ukraine continues with particular ferocity, with the country’s air defenses being severely tested by constant attacks by Russian fighter jets, kamikazi drones and missiles that are hitting infrastructure and utility projects as well as military targets on the front line and in behind. A very important role in the Ukrainian air defense is played by the American Patriots air defence systems, which prove to be a superweapon in the hands of the Ukrainians, contributing decisively to the downing of Russian fighter aircraft.
The role of the Patriots
The Patriots were instrumental in downing 4 to 5 Russian fighter jets and helicopters. In particular, videos released by the Ukrainian Air Force on July 3 referred to the downing of several Russian aircraft on May 13.
The video hinted that one of the Patriot air defense systems may have played a central role in this dramatic incident, which unfolded on Russian soil, resulting in the shocking loss of at least four, possibly five, Russian military aircraft and helicopters.
The video featured an eye-catching shot of a Patriot array carrying images of two Russian fighter jets and three Russian helicopters, with the date “May 13” stamped on it. The publication of this video coincided with the celebration of the Day of the Anti-Aircraft Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
The “black day” of May 13 for the Russian Air Force
May 13 marked a disastrous day for the Russian Aerospace Forces. Two Russian Mi-8 helicopters, one Su-34 fighter-bomber and one Su-35S fighter were shot down with no survivors.
The latter fell in Russia’s Bryansk Oblast, an area that mirrors Ukraine’s Chernihiv Oblast to the northeast.
In addition, the representative of the Ukrainian Air Force, Major General Yury Ikhnat, reported that a third helicopter may have been shot down by Russian fire by mistake.
The initial report of this incident left many questions unanswered, including the specific air defense system responsible for downing the Russian Aerospace Force fighters.
However, emerging video evidence suggests the possible involvement of the Patriot air defense system in this dramatic event.
During the incident, two Mi-8 helicopters were shot down. At least one was a Mi-8MTPR-1 model, equipped with Rychag-AV radar jamming equipment, and the other was believed to be a special search and rescue helicopter.
Su-34 and Su-35 fighters were also targeted on that fateful day. The Su-34 was attempting to drop a glide bomb on Chernihiv, while the Su-35 was operating in a role of air defense of the Su-34 against Ukrainian fighters.
What Happened-Speculation?
Perhaps it was the Patriot system that clipped the wings of the two Sukhoi jets, followed by the other Ukrainian air defense forces that downed the Russian Mi-8 helicopters.
The rapid succession of these events suggests that the helicopters may have been within striking distance during the downing of the Sukhoi.
However, for this domino effect to occur, Ukrainian forces would have to stealthily move their Patriot arrays closer to the border areas. From the above we conclude that May 13 was a “black day” for the Russian Air Force, which saw the downing of two Mi-8 helicopters, a Su-34 fighter-bomber and a Su-35S fighter.
Attributing their losses solely to US Patriot missiles is under investigation in our estimation.
