Allies want to build a “patched” anti-aircraft defense for Ukraine
Washington pressures Ukraine’s allies to urgently build air defense “Patchwork” using equipment compliant with NATO standards and therefore compatible, some ultra-modern, others older.
To set the “anti-aircraft shield” requested by the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, we must create what the military calls a multi-layered surface-to-air defense. “These are short-range, low-altitude, then medium-range, medium-altitude and finally long-range and high-altitude systems”US chief of staff, General Mark Milley, told the press Wednesday.
These three layers will protect Ukraine’s strategic objectives, such as large cities, key infrastructures or centers of power, against ballistic missiles, cruise missiles or even drones.
American Nasam, German Iris-T, Spanish Hawk, French Mamba
The United States has promised the Nasams air defense system, the first two of which are expected to arrive in Ukraine soon. They ordered six more from manufacturer Raytheon, but delivery of these medium- and short-range systems may not be in effect for two to three years.
Germany has delivered a first generation German Iris-T defense system to Kiev, which will have to wait until next year for the other three promised. This medium range but high altitude system is meant to protect a small town.
To speed up the process, the United States urged its allies on Wednesday to provide their available anti-aircraft equipment, even older ones, provided they meet NATO standards. Spain was the first to respond positively on Thursday: it will send four medium-range Hawk ground-to-air systems to Ukraine, Austin announced, welcoming this “Very, very quick response”. These Cold War-era systems have been modernized over the years. Spain has refurbished some of them to extend their lifespan.
French President Emmanuel Macron announced Wednesday that France will deliver to Kiev “Radar, systems and missiles to protect [les Ukrainiens] attacks, especially to protect them from drone attacks “. He did not specify the model of the planned anti-aircraft systems, but a US Army officer mentioned the SAMP / T high-altitude surface-to-air defense system, known as Mamba, the European competitor of the American Patriot, in service in France. , in Italy and Singapore. Paris has also supplied Crotale with short-range surface-to-air missiles, the French executive recalled.
“It’s technically complicated”
The UK announced on Wednesday the shipment of Amraam missiles, destined for US-supplied Nasams systems. Washington is also interested in the Spanish system Spada 2000, produced like the Mamba by the European manufacturer MBDA, explained an American official who asked for anonymity.
To provide defense against ballistic missiles, Washington plans to equip Ukraine with long-range Patriot batteries. The US military, which has a limited stock, is lobbying other countries that bought them to join the effort. Washington is also trying to persuade Israel to supply elements of its Iron Dome anti-aircraft system.
Once all of these systems have been delivered, it will be necessary “ensure that they can be linked together by command and communication systems and that they have radars capable of communicating with each other, so that they can locate their target in approach flight”explained the US chief of staff. “It’s technically complicated”He added. “It will take a bit ‘of time. “
