Overview

• Data cited by the Financial Times show Ukraine’s ballistic‑missile intercept rate dropping from about 37% in August to roughly 6% in September despite fewer attacks.
• Ukrainian and Western officials report that Russia modified Iskander‑M and Kinzhal missiles to perform abrupt terminal maneuvers that confound Patriot batteries.
• The Ukrainian Air Force said four Iskander‑M missiles in one night bypassed defenses and hit their targets.
• Delays in U.S. air‑defense deliveries have compounded Ukraine’s exposure, with strikes damaging military sites and critical infrastructure, according to officials.
• NATO users are assessing the implications as performance can vary by Patriot interceptor type, including PAC‑2 and PAC‑3 MSE, with detailed technical verification still pending.