The government of the United States has authorized the sale of a new support package for the Patriot air defense systems in the hands of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, in what will be an operation requiring an investment of more than 179.1 million dollars and aimed at guaranteeing the maintenance of the platforms that form the backbone of the country’s air defense. This was communicated by the Department of State to the U.S. Congress on August 29, through the usual public-access statement.
Reviewing the particularities of the package in question, it is possible to mention that it will include various types of spare parts, classified and unclassified software, maintenance support, and modification kits. In addition, Ukraine would receive communication equipment, storage containers, and training for its personnel through government representatives and the contractors involved in the operation, among other elements.
Regarding the shipment, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) stated in its official release: “This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a partner country that fosters political stability and economic progress in Europe. The proposed sale will enhance Ukraine’s ability to face current and future threats, equipping it to carry out self-defense and regional security missions with a more robust air defense capability. Ukraine will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces.”
Furthermore, the DSCA detailed that the sale will have two main contractors, namely: Lockheed Martin through its headquarters in Bethesda (Maryland) and RTX Corporation with its facilities in Arlington (Virginia). It was also clarified that the negotiation of any additional offset agreement is not foreseen, although it will be necessary to send a group of twenty additional representatives to the U.S. European Command; this group being divided between five from the U.S. government and fifteen contractors. In particular, they will be responsible for carrying out the aforementioned training for Kiev’s troops, in addition to periodic meetings related to the integration of these systems in the field.
It should be noted that this development comes practically at the same time as the governments of Norway and Germany announced plans to collaborate in the purchase of two additional Patriot systems to reinforce Ukraine, in a scheme that foresees the delivery of two units by Berlin and financial support from Oslo to replace them quickly; this in exchange for about 692 million dollars. However, the operation would also take place shortly after the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) published a report reflecting concerns regarding the effectiveness of these batteries in neutralizing the new modified missiles employed by Russia in its attacks, putting at risk the strained Ukrainian defense network, which relies on seven Patriot systems.
*Images used for illustrative purposes
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