In what seeks to be a new show of support for the country’s air defense, the United Kingdom delivered to the Armed Forces of Ukraine the first of the new Terrahawk Paladin anti-air drone systems, which relies on a cannon and different types of sensors for shooting them down. According to what has been reported through official channels, this is a weapon system already integrated into the capabilities of the 156th Maxim Kryvonos Anti-Aircraft Missile Regiment, which operates under the orbit of the Ukrainian Air Force.
Going deeper into some details, we can mention that this is a short-range system developed by MSI Defence Systems, which features a 30 mm Mark 44 Bushmaster cannon as its main armament, as seen in the images; although there is the possibility of it being equipped with a 40 mm variant. In addition, the system also has sensors capable of detecting and tracking potential targets at short distances and across multiple domains.
It can also be observed, from the video published by the aforementioned unit, that the system is mounted on the chassis of a MAN HX truck of German origin. Configured as an eight-wheel platform, this allows the cannon to be moved more easily across the battlefield, especially in hostile environments where roads are damaged by fighting. Additionally, it is indicated that the Terrahawk Paladin systems come equipped with extra protection against radars, making detection by enemy threats more difficult in this case.
Beyond its technical qualities, it is worth remembering that the delivery of the system in question had been announced by the British government during 2023 as part of a broader package of military assistance worth more than 100 million pounds, at a time when the position of Defence Secretary in London was held by Grant Shapps. Without specifying the number of units that would be made available to Ukrainian troops, it was indicated that this was a system especially designed for Kyiv to reinforce the air defense of its critical infrastructure.
At that time, Secretary Shapps stated: “During my recent visit to Kyiv, I assured President Zelensky that the United Kingdom’s support for Ukraine and its most urgent needs is unshakeable. Today I am proud to announce that the United Kingdom, together with our allies, is fulfilling that promise with new contracts to provide Ukraine with essential air defense systems to protect civilians from Putin’s barbaric bombing campaign, and more than 100 million pounds in new equipment promised to give Ukrainian soldiers what they need to break through Russia’s lethal minefields.”
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