Just an aside, MANPADS isn't the end all. Even total coverage is still limited by the fact these have to be lightweight and portable systems. Evasion techniques and avoiding low flying, head on approaches keeps aircraft safe from MANPADS. Compare this to the small end of AA missiles like Sidewinders or BVR AMRAAM-120s which are the size of large bombs. These missiles need to be big enough to chase running planes across dozens of kilometers as well as fight against notching.
PATRIOT alongside existing S-300 and 400 systems are real deal, first rate AA missile systems.
Terran_Dominion t1_j2elo7h wrote
Reply to comment by oakstave in Ukrainian air defense will become stronger in new year – Zelensky by Espressodimare
Just an aside, MANPADS isn't the end all. Even total coverage is still limited by the fact these have to be lightweight and portable systems. Evasion techniques and avoiding low flying, head on approaches keeps aircraft safe from MANPADS. Compare this to the small end of AA missiles like Sidewinders or BVR AMRAAM-120s which are the size of large bombs. These missiles need to be big enough to chase running planes across dozens of kilometers as well as fight against notching.
PATRIOT alongside existing S-300 and 400 systems are real deal, first rate AA missile systems.