Your interpretation of this event is FALSE and MISLEADING on many counts.
For reference:
https://defence.pk/pdf/threads/iran...issile-capability.686530/page-3#post-12730864
1. This was a swarm attack which materialized without official notification (element of surprise). Terrain-hugging
method of approach is
time-tested in regards to complicating/negating radar detection measures adopted on the surface. Being subsonic is utterly meaningless point in relation (even a subsonic cruise missile moves much faster than anything on the ground to begin with).
In this particular case,
method of approach fell outside the Line-of-Sight (LOS) of the Patriot battery deployed near Abqaiq oil refinery.
2. Those CIRCLES drawn over Saudi Arabia are all wrong and misleading interpretation of ground realities.
It is important to be familiar with LOS of each radar system in use and level of integration between them - this is beyond the purview of standard journalism anyways.
There are significant coverage gaps in Saudi surface defenses which warrant attention and should be plugged ASAP. I am surprised as to why Saudi took Iran for granted while dealing with Yemen particularly in the face of Iranian-Houthi dealings.
Patriot class interceptors (PAC-2 variants and above) will deliver results
but excellent radar coverage without coverage gaps is a must. The interceptors are technically capable on their own but this is not sufficient consideration in itself.
For example:
https://breakingdefense.com/2020/08/ibcs-army-missile-defense-passes-live-fire-test/
Much emphasis should be placed on the quality, scale, and scope of the radar coverage coupled with level of integration between radar systems in use.
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In the case of Russian defense systems, Russian sources love to tout 360 degree radar coverage offered with them to potential customers, but what is the QUALITY and CAPABILITY of these radar systems to begin with? This warrant attention.
