The Allies want to build a “patchwork” anti-aircraft defense for Ukraine
Washington pressures Ukraine’s allies to urgently build air defense « patchwork » using equipment that meets NATO standards and is therefore compatible, some ultramodern, others older.
To set up the “anti-aircraft shield” demanded by the Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, we must create what the military call a multi-layered ground-to-air defense. “These are short-range, low-altitude systems, then medium-range, medium-altitude systems, and finally long-range, high-altitude systems”explained to the press on Wednesday the American Chief of Staff, General Mark Milley.
These three levels will make it possible to protect Ukrainian strategic objectives, such as large cities, key infrastructures or centers of power, against ballistic missiles, cruise missiles or even drones.
American Nasams, German Iris-T, Spanish Hawk, French Mamba
The United States has promised the Nasams air defense system, the first two of which are due to arrive in Ukraine soon. They have ordered six more from the manufacturer Raytheon, but delivery of these short- to medium-range, medium-altitude systems may not be in effect for two to three years.
Germany has delivered a first latest-generation German Iris-T defense system to kyiv, which will have to wait until next year for the other three promised. This medium range but high altitude system is intended 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 surface-to-air systems to Ukraine, Mr. 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 on Wednesday that France would deliver to kyiv “radar, systems and missiles to protect [les Ukrainiens] attacks, especially to protect them from drone attacks”. He did not specify the model of anti-aircraft systems planned, but an American military official mentioned the high altitude surface-to-air defense system SAMP/T, known as Mamba, the European competitor of the American Patriot, in service in France, in Italy and Singapore. Paris has also provided Crotale short-range surface-to-air missiles, the French executive recalled.
“It’s technically complicated”
The United Kingdom announced on Wednesday the shipment of Amraam missiles, intended for Nasams systems supplied by the United States. Washington is also interested in the Spanish Spada 2000 system, manufactured like the Mamba by the European manufacturer MBDA, explained an American official who requested anonymity.
To provide defense against ballistic missiles, Washington plans to equip Ukraine with Patriot long-range batteries. The US military, which has a limited stock of them, is pressuring other countries that have purchased them to participate in the effort. Washington is also trying to convince Israel to deliver elements of its Iron Dome anti-aircraft system.
Once all these systems have been delivered, it will be necessary “ensure that they can be linked together by the command and communication systems, and that they have radars that can communicate with each other, so that they can locate their target in approach flight”explained the American chief of staff. “It’s technically complicated”he added. “It will take a little time. »