After months of negotiation, the Biden Administration has confirmed that they will send the anti-missile Patriot defense system to Ukraine, which has suffered severe damage due to Russian missile strikes on civilian and infrastructure targets. Patriot missiles have a very high "kill" rate and will make a difference in allowing Ukraine to survive the winter with less fear of Russian missiles. From the linked report:
"Ukraine has been calling for the US to send the advanced long-range air defense system that is highly effective at intercepting ballistic and cruise missiles as it comes under a barrage of Russian missile and drone attacks that have destroyed key infrastructure across the country. It would be the most effective long-range defensive weapons system sent to the country and officials say it will help secure airspace for NATO nations in eastern Europe.
It is not clear how many missile launchers will be sent but a typical Patriot battery includes a radar set that detects and tracks targets, computers, power generating equipment, an engagement control station and up to eight launchers, each holding four ready to fire missiles.
Once the plans are finalized, the Patriots are expected to ship quickly in the coming days and Ukrainians will be trained to use them at a US Army base in Grafenwoehr, Germany, officials said." (our emphasis)
Almost as much as offensive weaponry that has been provided to Ukraine, missile defense systems have been crucial to holding off Russia' criminal attacks on the civilian population. Patriot missiles will provide significant cover for Ukraine in the weeks and months ahead.
(photo: Defense Department)
