A Ukrainian air defense unit has achieved a significant success in its ongoing defense against Russian aerial assaults, intercepting 11 cruise missiles in under two minutes. The feat was confirmed by Colonel Kyrylo Peretyatko of the Ukrainian Air Force, who called it a historic moment for Ukraine’s defensive capabilities. “We probably broke all records of other countries for reload speed, and we are ready to keep doing it constantly to defend our country, as long as we have the missiles,” Colonel Peretyatko said in a video statement. He emphasized that the operation—using a National Advanced

A Ukrainian air defense unit has achieved a significant success in its ongoing defense against Russian aerial assaults, intercepting 11 cruise missiles in under two minutes. The feat was confirmed by Colonel Kyrylo Peretyatko of the Ukrainian Air Force, who called it a historic moment for Ukraine’s defensive capabilities. “We probably broke all records of other countries for reload speed, and we are ready to keep doing it constantly to defend our country, as long as we have the missiles,” Colonel Peretyatko said in a video statement. He emphasized that the operation—using a National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS)—lasted no more than two minutes. Though Ukraine also employs the U.S.-made MIM-104 Patriot system, it was the NASAMS platform that executed this rapid and precise strike. NASAMS, a joint U.S.-Norwegian development, has been part of Ukraine’s air defense arsenal since November 2022. According to publicly available data, including figures compiled by Wikipedia, Ukraine has been promised at least 17 NASAMS systems. Of these, 12 were provided by the United States, four by Norway, and one was delivered by Canada in November 2024. Lithuania has contributed additional launchers. However, a February 2025 report by Ukraine’s official media platform United24 stated that only about 12 systems were operational at the time, suggesting some of the 17 may still be in transit or awaiting deployment. The NASAMS system is highly prized for its advanced capabilities, particularly the use of AIM-120 AMRAAM interceptors, which are also used by NATO aircraft. With a range of 50 kilometers (31 miles), NASAMS is well-suited to protect key infrastructure and population centers. Colonel Per Steinar Trøite of the Norwegian military reported in February that NASAMS has been instrumental in Ukraine’s defense, intercepting more than 900 aerial threats since its deployment. The system boasts an impressive success rate of over 94%, with approximately 60% of its interceptions targeting sophisticated Russian cruise missiles such as the Kh-101, Kh-555, Kalibr, Iskander-K, Kh-59, and Kh-69. “This level of effectiveness, combined with the high volume of intercepted threats, underscores the precision and reliability of the NASAMS air defense missile system in countering Russian missile and drone offensives,” reported

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Each NASAMS battery comprises multiple launchers—typically three—with each launcher capable of firing six interceptor missiles. The system also relies on the Raytheon AN/MPQ-64F1 Sentinel radar, which enables rapid target tracking and engagement. “NASAMS has undoubtedly played a significant role in saving thousands of Ukrainian lives and preventing blackouts caused by Russia’s massive air attacks,” said Colonel Denys Smazhnyi of the Ukrainian Air Force. As Russia continues its missile and drone assaults, Ukraine’s effective use of NASAMS may prove to be a pivotal factor in protecting its airspace and critical infrastructure in the months ahead.

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