Spain Supplies Patriot Missiles to Bolster Ukraine’s Air DefensesSpain Supplies Patriot Missiles to Bolster Ukraine’s Air Defenses Amidst Russia’s relentless aerial bombardments, Ukraine has received a crucial shipment of Patriot air defense missiles from Spain. This latest delivery adds to the existing batch sent in April, as Kiev desperately seeks to counter the constant barrage of ballistic missiles, bombs, and drones. Importance of Patriot Systems Patriot missiles are highly effective in intercepting incoming threats, thanks to their advanced radar system and mobile launchers. They have proven essential in confronting Russian airstrikes, which have decimated civilian infrastructure and energy facilities across Ukraine. Additional Military Aid Spain’s provision of Patriot missiles is part of a broader military support package that includes Leopard 2A4 tanks, anti-drone systems, and ammunition, amounting to $1.23 billion. Other European countries, including Germany and Sweden, are also providing Patriot systems or have them on order. Global Coordination The United States is prioritizing the delivery of Patriot missiles to Ukraine by delaying shipments to other nations. Additionally, a new $150 million aid package will include HIMARS missiles, anti-armor weapons, and grenades. Washington has also granted Ukraine permission to use American-supplied weapons against targets within Russian territory near the Ukrainian border. Urgent Need for Air Defenses Despite having received several Patriot systems, Ukraine requires a total of 25 such systems, each with six to eight batteries, to adequately protect the country. The ongoing effort to bolster Ukraine’s air defenses is crucial in mitigating the devastating impact of Russia’s aerial attacks and safeguarding Ukrainian lives and infrastructure.
Spain has delivered a new batch of anti-aircraft missiles for Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine.
Kiev has called for more air defenses to deal with the continued hail of ballistic missiles, bombs and drones launched by Moscow that have devastated civilian and energy infrastructure across Ukraine.
Sources in the Spanish government told the newspaper El Mundo that a second batch of missiles for the surface-to-air missile system (SAM) had arrived last Friday. A first batch of Patriot missiles arrived from Spain at the end of April. Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles said at a meeting of Kiev’s allies last month that Madrid would provide a “significant” supply of military aid.
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There are European-made alternatives to Patriot air defense systems, such as NASAMS, HAWK or S-300 platforms. However, the US-made systems are seen as the most effective against Russian attacks because of their radar system and mobile launchers that can fire interceptor missiles.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had previously reported an agreement with Spain on help in strengthening air defenses, without providing further details.
Last month, sources told another Spanish newspaper: El Paisabout Madrid sending Patriot missiles to Ukraine, as well as Leopard 2A4 tanks, anti-drone systems and German-made ammunition, as part of a $1.23 billion package.
The Spanish government has not confirmed this El Pais piece, and Newsweek has contacted the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs for comment on the latest report.
Ukraine currently has at least four Patriot systems, the British newspaper writes Financial times reported, but Zelensky said in April that 25 of the systems were needed with six to eight batteries each “to fully protect Ukraine.”
Other European countries have Patriot systems on order, including Switzerland and Sweden. Meanwhile, Germany promised three of its 11 Patriot batteries, along with 50 shorter-range Gepard air defense systems and air-to-air missiles, Politico reported.
However, the US is pausing the delivery of Patriot interceptor missiles to other countries to put Ukraine at the front of the line so it can counter Russian aggression.
Last Thursday, US National Security Council adviser John Kirby said Washington would “place a new priority on delivering these exports” to Ukraine, including NASAM missiles.
Washington will soon announce a new military aid package for Ukraine worth about $150 million, according to The Associated Press sources. It includes new HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System) missiles, anti-armor weapons, grenades and grenades.
In early June, the US allowed Ukraine to use American-supplied weapons, including HIMARS missiles, to attack targets in Russia near the border with Kharkiv Oblast.
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
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