Polish military experts have outlined three possible scenarios for using the Patriot air defense system against aerial targets, including Russia’s Su-35S fighter jet.

The first involves intercepting a target at the system’s maximum range of up to 107 kilometers. In this scenario, the American-made missile approaches the aircraft head-on along a ballistic trajectory, allowing it to conserve energy and achieve the greatest possible reach.

The second option is a flanking engagement at a distance of about 64 kilometers. Here, the target flies on a parallel course while the interceptor gradually changes direction. Part of the missile’s kinetic energy is spent on maneuvering, reducing its effective range.

Polish experts described the third scenario as the least favorable. It involves attempting to hit a target from around 44 kilometers while firing from behind, or under conditions that force the missile to perform high-load maneuvers immediately after launch.

Earlier media reports said the Russian Aerospace Forces had begun receiving upgraded Su-34M fighter-bombers, which have performed strongly during the ongoing military operation in Ukraine.