To bolster Ukraine’s defense against the escalating Russian offense, the administration under President Joe Biden is reportedly looking into the provision of an additional Patriot air defense battery, according to a Bloomberg piece on May 15 which cites sources who wanted to remain anonymous.
The plan involves equipping Ukraine with a battery supplement complemented by radar technology, with funding presumably sourced from the $61-billion aid package that was recently approved, disclosed the publication.
As the severity of Russian bombardments on Ukrainian civilian areas and key infrastructure intensifies, Kyiv has been persistent in its appeal to allies for more air defense capabilities.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky indicated that to secure the entire nation, Ukraine would require a total of 25 Patriot batteries or systems of a similar calibre.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit to Kyiv on May 14 led to Zelensky requesting two Patriot systems specifically to shield the Kharkiv Oblast, which currently faces a heavy onslaught by Russian troops.
A minimum of three Patriot systems and related apparatus, contributions from the U.S., Germany, and the Netherlands, are currently in operation by Kyiv. An assurance was made by Germany in April for the dispatch of one more system.
An additional IRIS-T system is expected to reach Ukraine from Germany in the month of May.
Bloomberg’s informants relay that European allies are contemplating the dispatch of extra air defense resources to Ukraine.
A report from May 2 by Italy’s La Repubblica suggests that Italy has plans in motion to extend an additional SAMP/T air defense system to Ukraine in a forthcoming aid consignment.
FAQ Section
- What exactly is a Patriot system? – A Patriot system is a long-range, all-altitude, all-weather air defense system designed to counter tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and advanced aircraft.
- How many Patriot systems does Ukraine currently have? – Ukraine is believed to operate at least three Patriot systems, supplied by the U.S., Germany, and the Netherlands.
- When might Ukraine receive the additional air defense systems? – An additional IRIS-T system from Germany is expected in May, while plans for more systems from the U.S. and Italy are reportedly underway.
- How many Patriot systems does Ukraine need to fully protect its territory? – President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that Ukraine needs 25 Patriot systems or equivalent to cover the whole country.
Conclusion
The expanding needs of Ukraine’s air defense in the wake of elevated aggression from Russia have prompted the U.S. to consider deploying an additional Patriot battery, alongside other European allies contemplating further support in the form of air defense systems. There is a clear emphasis on bolstering Ukraine’s military capabilities to withstand the current and potential future onslaughts, an effort supported by the international community. The proposed move is a testament to the strength of global alliances and their commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and defense.
_Note: The information in this article is based on synthesized details provided by diverse sources online, through AI news feed technology. Original ownership or authorship of the news content is not claimed by TheUBJ. For reference, the original source link is https://kyivindependent.com/bloomberg-us-considers-sending-additional-patriot-battery-to-ukraine-sources-say/._