Metinvest Mining and Metallurgical Group has manufactured and assembled a 3 ton armor shell to cover key elements of the Patriot system as part of Rinat Akhmetov’s Steel Front military initiative.
According to the group’s press release, Metinvest continues to strengthen the protection of Ukraine’s air defense forces as part of the Steel Front initiative, this time by creating a shelter for the Patriot air defense system.
It is specified that the protection consists of a steel frame and armored plates. The design covers several important components of the system: the SAM control station, radar comparator (Doghouse), and generator.
“In such war conditions, every minute that air defense works saves lives. Our protective shells are designed for this very purpose – to ensure that the equipment remains in service even under fire,” commented Oleksandr Myronenko, Group Chief Operating Officer.
In addition, it is reported that since the beginning of 2025, Metinvest has begun systematic work on protection for air defense systems. The first shells were installed at air defense facilities back in the spring, and since then, the designs have been constantly improved. Each new project is adapted to a specific location and type of equipment.
Dozens of specialists are involved in the production of the armor: milling, turning, drilling, planing, electric and gas welders, metalworkers, blacksmiths, and painters. For security reasons, Metivest has moved all production for the army off-site: these are secret sites whose location is not disclosed.
“Rinat Akhmetov’s Steel Front is the largest private initiative to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine. As part of the project, SCM Group companies manufacture and supply the army with modern shelters, equipment protection, electronic warfare equipment, vehicles, drones, fortifications and other equipment that is critical at the front. The initiative focuses on the in-house production of solutions adapted to war conditions.
“Staliy Front already manufactures protective screens for vehicles such as Abrams, Bradley, Roshel, Kozak, and MT-LB, which perform combat missions on a daily basis.
The Patriot air defense system is an American medium- and long-range air defense system developed by Raytheon. Designed to intercept aircraft, cruise and ballistic missiles, it has a phased array radar and high-precision interceptor missiles.
