These were short range ballistic and cruise missiles, which are an entirely different category of threats compared to ICBM delivery vehicles. The difference bet

These were short range ballistic and cruise missiles, which are an entirely different category of threats compared to ICBM delivery vehicles. The difference between Mach 5 and Mach 23 is significant for interceptors, obviously. Patriot is not able to intercept ICBM warheads for that reason.