US confirms Ukraine downed Russian hypersonic missile with patriot system

TORONTO, Canada - The Ukrainian military downed a Russian hypersonic Kinzhal missile using the US-made Patriot air defence system, reported Anadolu Agency (AA), quoting the Pentagon's spokesman on Tuesday.

"I can confirm that they did down a Russian missile by employing the Patriot missile defence system. As you know, that system is part of a broader range of air defence capabilities that the United States and the international community have provided to Ukraine," said Brig. Gene. Patrick Ryder in a press briefing.

However, Ryder declined to say which country supplied the missile battery that shot down the hypersonic missile.

Patriot air defence systems were used by the US against Iranian ballistic missiles in Iraq and Saudi Arabia, but this marked the first time the system shot down a hypersonic missile.

"The US, our allies, our partners, we're going to continue to rush ground-based air defence capabilities and munitions to help Ukraine control its sovereign skies and to help Ukraine defend its citizens from Russian cruise missiles and Iranian drones," Ryder added.

The Biden administration earlier Tuesday pledged US$1.2 billion in long-term military assistance to Ukraine, including air defence systems and munitions. - BERNAMA-ANADOLU