The Air Forces showcased the programmer who shot down the world's first 'Kinzhal'.

A video showing how the operator of the Patriot air defense system shot down the first Russian hypersonic missile 'Kinzhal' over Kyiv on May 4, 2023, was released by the air forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The operator's name is not disclosed, but he introduces himself as Dmytro.

The operator, who is Dmytro, said that he made the decision to join the military immediately after the war began, not imagining that he, actually a programmer, would master the work with the Patriot air defense system and shoot down the first 'Kinzhal' missile in the world.

In the beginning, they did not have enough information about what exactly was attacked by the 'Kinzhal' in Kyiv. They thought it was a ballistic missile, such as 'Iskander'. However, later, when they found the debris, it turned out to be the 'Kinzhal' missile. This was the first downing of a hypersonic ballistic missile in history. Everyone was happy and congratulated each other. This case refuted Russia's claims about the invincibility of the 'Kinzhal' missile.

Earlier, on May 3, 2023, Ukraine had already shot down a ballistic missile 'Kinzhal'. According to intelligence, Russia tried to neutralize Ukraine's air defense weapon system, but it seems they suffered yet another loss.

36 individuals involved in the Russian 'Kinzhal' missile attacks on Ukraine have been identified by the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine. They consisted of command, pilot, and technical personnel from the 44th Separate Aviation Regiment of Special Purpose of the Russian Armed Forces.

The Patriot system is the only means capable of shooting down the 'Kinzhal' missile. However, their quantity is insufficient to protect the entire airspace of Ukraine. This is why this missile is the most challenging to neutralize, noted the commander of the air defense missile unit, Kyrylo Peryetiatko, in his interview.