Russia tried to destroy Patriot system in Ukraine with hypersonic missile - CNN

Russia tried to destroy a U.S.-made Patriot air defense system in Ukraine with a Kinzhal hypersonic missile, but the missile was shot down.

That's according to CNN, Ukrinform reports.

According to U.S. officials, the Ukrainian military intercepted the missile using the Patriot system, marking their first known successful Ukrainian use of the advanced air defense system only weeks after it arrived in the country.

The Ukrainian air defenders fired multiple missiles from the Patriot at different angles to intercept the Russian missile, demonstrating how quickly they have become adept at using the powerful system, one official said.

U.S. officials believe the Russians picked up on signals that are emitted from the Patriot.

The Patriot missile system has a powerful radar to detect incoming targets at long-range, making it a potent air defense platform capable of intercepting ballistic missiles and more. But the radar emission necessary to spot threats at a distance also makes it possible for the enemy to detect the Patriot battery and figure out its location.

The Russian military was evidently able to figure out the rough location of the Patriot stationed outside of Kyiv. The interception took place there on the night of May 4.

Pentagon Press Secretary Patrick Ryder confirmed this week that the Ukrainians had used the Patriot system to intercept a Kinzhal hypersonic missile.