US learns something from Ukraine handling of missile defense

 Business Insider:

The US Army is closely watching how Ukraine uses its coveted Patriot systems to fend off Russian missile attacks and is learning that, in order to best protect air defenses, it's crucial to keep them hidden and mobile, two American officers told Business Insider.

The MIM-104 Patriot surface-to-air missile systems are the top layer of Ukraine's air defense shield. Kyiv is believed to be operating six batteries, which have proven to be critical in defending the country against Russian aerial attacks, particularly ballistic missile strikes.

Lt. Col. James Compton, the deputy operations officer for the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, explained to BI that the Ukraine war has, in some cases, reinforced US military air defense doctrine.

However, he said the war has also "introduced more concepts, like how to become more mobile, how the system's components are organized on battery sites, ways of camouflaging the equipment, and how the system can be improved to be more survivable."

"This conflict has definitely made the community relook how we train, how our units are organized, as well as how we prepare for potential conflicts with robust air and missile threats," Compton added.

Being mobile requires a whole-of-system approach. A Patriot battery consists of several complementary parts, including a radar, a control station, a power generator, and as many as eight launchers that can each hold four interceptor missiles. Dozens of soldiers are needed to operate the weapon.

The Patriots are coveted weapons for Ukraine, giving the country its best shot at defending against Russian ballistic missile attacks. But Kyiv has long been hamstrung by a shortage of interceptor missiles, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy repeatedly calling on the US and NATO allies to send more ammunition and batteries amid worsening aerial bombardments.

Chief Warrant Officer Sanjeev "Jay" Siva, a technician in the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, said Ukraine's Patriot batteries have emerged as priority targets for Russia.

He told BI that Patriot units have to prioritize movement discipline, cover and concealment tactics, and overall survivability measures in ways that haven't been required in decades, adding that the US "can no longer operate under the assumption of relative invulnerability."

Siva said the war has given Army planners various ideas, including for creating decoys and camouflaging equipment, to confront the changing air defense landscape.

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These are lessons that could impact future conflicts with Russia or other adversaries.  Maneuverability can save equipment and lives. It is also an issue for communication equipment.