Pentagon considers sending Patriot antimissile systems to Ukraine

2022-12-16

photo: Evan Vucci,AP

The Pentagon is considering plans to send Patriot antimissile batteries to Ukraine amid the bombardment of cities by Russian missiles and drones, according to a senior U.S. official. The mobile Patriot missile system is one of the most advanced in the U.S. arsenal and can shoot down aircraft or ballistic missiles in all weather conditions. A Patriot battery has up to eight launchers, each of which hold four missiles, according to the Army. About 90 soldiers are assigned to a battery, but just three are needed to operate them in combat.

Ukraine is desperate for air defense systems to counter the barrage of Russian missiles and drones aimed at power stations and other civilian targets. U.S. officials credit Ukraine’s ingenuity with older, Soviet-era air defense systems for denying Russia the ability to gain control of Ukrainian airspace.

On Wednesday, White House spokesman John Kirby said he could not confirm that a deal for the systems had been reached. A day earlier, Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder declined to confirm that Patriots were being considered for Ukraine but acknowledged discussions were underway to provide Ukraine with the ability to defend itself against Russian attacks.

Patriot batteries are in high demand around the world and require extensive training to operate.

source:https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2022/12/14/ukraine-russia-war-live-updates/10895275002/