Overview

• Analysis cited by the Financial Times shows Ukraine’s interception rate dropped from about 37% in July to roughly 6% in September.
• Ukrainian and Western sources report the missiles now execute abrupt late-course turns and steep dives that complicate tracking and engagement.
• The Ukrainian Air Force acknowledged that four Iskander-M missiles launched on October 1 all reached their targets without interception.
• A U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency report says Patriot systems have struggled against recent Russian tactical improvements to ballistic attacks.
• Reporting notes a slowdown in Patriot deliveries from the United States, compounding Ukraine’s shortfall against modified ballistic threats.