Will the domestic Koral air defense system be able to replace the Patriot? The military gave a comprehensive answer

In terms of characteristics, this Ukrainian complex will match the capabilities of American PAC-2 Patriot interceptors.

Currently, the presented Ukrainian anti-aircraft missile system “Koral” still needs to be tested in combat conditions to confirm that this complex is capable of intercepting Russian ballistic missiles . This was reported by Ivan Kyrychevsky, a serviceman of the 413th regiment of the SBS “REID” and an expert on weapons Defense Express, during a video broadcast on Youtube .

In his opinion, the Koral air defense system can be called a contender for the domestic analogue of the Patriot, because it is supposed to shoot down ballistic missiles.

At the same time, as the expert notes, based on the available relevant data on the Koral air defense system, we can say that in theory this complex will correspond to the technological level of the PAC-2 to the Patriot.

“As we can see in the photos released at the exhibition, the missile for the Koral complex lacks gas-dynamic rudders that would allow maneuvering in flight, and there is clearly a different warhead than the “hit to kill” one on the PAC-3 missile. But you know, we are in a situation where we not only need anti-ballistics means, but also need means of at least some technological level,” Kyrychevsky said.

According to him, even according to the calculations of the US Army, it turns out that it is expensive for Americans to fight with PAC-3 missiles. Because these missiles currently cost $10 million for export, and at the rate at which the US military is spending PAC-3 anti-ballistic interceptors during hostilities around Iran, such a missile will cost $10 million for the US Army at domestic prices.

“Accordingly, we are in a situation where it is better for us to create, even if it is a bad one, our own analogue to Patriot, than simply to be dependent on the regularity of external supplies of Western-made anti-ballistic systems,” explained Kyrychevsky.

At the same time, he tried to answer the question of whether the Koral air defense system will help Ukraine fend off Russian ballistic missiles in the coming winter. Kyrychevsky stated:

“My assessment so far is roughly this: God forbid, that we could run the “Coral” against Russian ballistics in such an experimental mode – to confirm the declared anti-ballistic characteristics. That would be very good.”

He added that the official chronology of “Coral” indicates that work on this complex began in 2016, was first presented in 2021, and ten years later, today we are talking about a finished product.

In his opinion, this is a very good pace for creating an air defense system of this type.

At the same time, he notes that there will be no talk of creating its own anti-ballistic missiles in a timely manner if there are power outages for enterprises that are supposed to build the corresponding complexes. In his opinion, Ukraine will still need Patriot interceptors in the coming winter.

“Despite the fact that there is such good news about “Koral” as a contender for the domestic analogue of Patriot, we still need Patriot itself,” said Kyrychevsky.

At the same time, according to him, if we also mention the joint project with the Europeans of the anti-ballistic shield “Freya”, then it will be developed in parallel with “Coral”. “Freya” as a private project, and “Coral” – from a state entity.

(c)UNIAN 2026