Putin may start hunting Patriot systems with Iranian missiles

Forbes reports.

"Putin may ultimately use Iranian-supplied weaponry and Iranian tactics in any attempt he makes to eliminate Ukraine's Patriot. Specifically, he might try and replicate a combat-tested strategy used by the Houthis against the Saudi-led coalition during the Yemen war," the message says.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said that "Russia will destroy Patriot system" against the background of the fact that the aggressor country continues to bombard Ukrainian cities using Iranian drones.

The publication emphasizes that a strike on the most advanced system that the West provides to Ukraine - the Patriot system - can have a very important strategic and political significance for Russia and Iran.

"Tehran would likely welcome a similar attack against Ukraine's Patriot since it would demonstrably signal that its technology can neutralize one of the most advanced air defense systems the U.S. has developed. It wouldn't be surprising if Iranian military personnel even assist Russia in the planning and execution of such an attack," it is stated in the material.

Forbes adds that if Patriot is deployed in Kyiv, Russia could launch an unprecedented number of drones to attack the system's radar and ensure that battery is destroyed. In this way, the Kremlin will make it clear that its attacks cannot be stopped, despite all the efforts of the US and its allies to strengthen Ukraine's air defense.

"Either way, Washington has never suggested that supplying the Patriot will constitute a so-called game-changer in this war. Far from it. The delivery is much more symbolic of continued American resolve to support Ukraine," the publication notes.

At the same time, the elimination of Patriot may prove symbolic for Putin, who may conclude that destroying the system "would be a worthy endeavor purely for the propaganda value."

• On December 21, the USA announced the decision to transfer Patriot air defense system to Ukraine. Patriot air defense system is known to be capable of shooting down cruise missiles, short-range ballistic missiles, and aircraft at much higher altitudes than air defense systems previously provided to Ukraine.