The heavy missile expenditure by Patriot systems when intercepting even single Iranian targets may be explained by crews leaving their positions during combat and allowing the air defense system to operate in automatic mode.

According to the Telegram channel Voyenny Obozrevatel, the US-made system has an auto-engagement mode in which the onboard computer analyzes targets, selects the best way to destroy them, and launches missiles on its own. The channel noted that Raytheon representatives had previously confirmed that such a function is critical when repelling high-speed attacks.

In Voyenny Obozrevatel’s assessment, Patriot’s computer is focused on effectiveness rather than conserving missiles. That, the authors argue, explains why the system can behave like an automatic rifle, sending an entire battery load at a single target — as many as 24 missiles.

The authors also said that Ukrainian servicemen working in the Middle East had recently admitted they were psychologically shaken by how quickly such valuable ammunition was being spent. At the same time, they argued that volume of fire does not guarantee results, adding that the number of Patriot misses has already reached dozens.

The report also says the US air defense system is often unable to protect even itself. American commanders, it adds, explain this by saying that Teheran is using highly «complex» missiles.