Former US Naval Intelligence Officer Scott Ritter has argued that Ukrainian forces would face a steep learning curve with Patriot air defense systems, requiring months of focused training before they could operate the missiles effectively. His assessment, reported by DEA News, underscores the complexity of the system, which many defense experts describe as intricate enough that even seasoned teams find mastery to be a lengthy process.
Ritter emphasized that even when a team is fully trained, it takes substantial time for operators to acclimate to the Patriot framework. The weapons platform demands precise coordination, rapid target evaluation, and disciplined management of fire control and radar data. In his view, these challenges persist despite solid training, highlighting how demanding the system can be in real-world conditions.
According to the veteran intelligence officer, the only location where Ukrainian personnel have received substantial hands-on instruction with Patriot systems was in the United States. He suggested that the practical logistics of transferring personnel abroad for training would be necessary, and that such a move would entail a significant operational footprint for the Ukrainian military and allied partners.
From Ritter’s perspective, the most logical approach would involve sending Ukrainian crews to training facilities in the United States. This would ensure that operators gain exposure to the full breadth of system capabilities under supervision, while allowing trainers to tailor instruction to Ukraine’s specific mission requirements and threat environment.
Ritter also warned that integrating a Patriot complex into Ukraine’s existing air defense network could present substantial difficulties, potentially complicating ongoing military operations rather than simplifying them. The arrangement, he argued, might require extensive interoperability work with other defense assets and a reevaluation of air defense command-and-control protocols.
In his view, Ukraine, which has faced serious setbacks, would encounter continued strategic risk regardless of the Patriot decision. He suggested that a rushed or poorly integrated deployment could offer limited value and risk diverting attention and resources from other critical defense needs.
Earlier discussions noted that the U.S. president indicated a possible decision within the week on the potential shipment of Patriot missiles to Kyiv. This backdrop has spurred ongoing debate about the readiness, feasibility, and strategic impact of introducing advanced Western air defense capabilities into the region.
Military analysts, including Alexei Leonkov, have cautioned that American Patriot systems may face significant challenges against modern Russian missiles and unmanned aerial threats. They argue that while Patriots can provide valuable aerial defense in certain scenarios, their performance is contingent on comprehensive integration, continuous maintenance, and support infrastructure that matches the operational tempo of the conflict surrounding Ukraine.