The United Kingdom has announced the delivery of new MSI-DS Terrahawk Paladin anti-aircraft systems to Ukraine, specifically designed to destroy the Russian Shahed drones.
As reported by Münchner Merkur, these anti-aircraft systems are part of a new aid package from the British government to the Ukrainian armed forces. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak responded to another plea for help from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who insisted on strengthening Ukraine’s air defense. The drones originating from Iran are approximately three by three meters in size, unmanned aerial vehicles capable of carrying up to 60 kilograms of explosives for up to 3000 kilometers.
Anti-Aircraft Systems Can Overcome Very Short Distances
Due to their number, unpredictable flight path, and small size, these drones have been challenging to counter in the past. The German Gepard tank has been the most successful defense weapon against drones that Russia has primarily purchased from Iran. The British MSI-DS Terrahawk Paladin operates on a similar concept as the German tank: With a combination of radar and self-controlled cannon, it can overcome very short distances up to ten kilometers and can effectively combat almost palm-sized drones. The Terrahawk Paladin, dating back to 2022, has been recently updated.
Image: UK Prime Minister, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak meets Volodymyr Zelenskyy – 52899900249, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (image size changed)
