The Patriot surface-to-air missile (SAM) system (military index — MIM-104) manufactured by the American military-industrial company Raytheon is not an effective means of parrying air strikes. This was proven by the Russian military, using FAB-500 high-explosive air bombs with a unified planning and correction module (UMPC).
A missile launched from a Patriot is capable of hitting a FAB-500. The bomb somersaults in the air from the damage received, but still reaches the target.
Russian aviation ammunition has proven its resilience. However, this is only part of the problem for the West. Russia has many air bombs left over from the Soviet Union. With the help of UMPC, they are transformed into a high-precision projectile.
The United States will not be able to pull off a similar trick with anti-aircraft missiles for the Patriot SAM system. Such missiles are too expensive to produce.
FAB — air bombs, the main damaging element of which is a high-explosive (explosive substance). They have the most powerful and versatile damaging effect among air bombs for general purpose.
FABs are used to destroy:
- Rear and communication facilities
- Military-industrial and energy facilities
- Combat equipment
- Enemy manpower
Read more on the topic:
From small to large: what FABs are available to the Russian military
