Spain Has Announced the Reinforcement of Ukrainian Air Defense
The Spanish government has approved the transfer of six M-192 launcher units for MIM-23 Hawk anti-aircraft missiles to protect Ukrainian cities, energy infrastructure, and ports.
This information was reported by the official page of the Spanish government.
"The Spanish government will provide Ukraine with six Hawk launcher units to counter possible Russian bombings of civilian objects and critical infrastructure, as well as to protect the new grain corridor," the announcement said.
The decision to transfer the units was announced at the III European Political Community Summit, during which a meeting was held between the head of the Ukrainian state, Volodymyr Zelensky, and the Prime Minister of Spain, Pedro Sanchez.
In addition to air defense, Spain has pledged to provide Ukraine with systems to counter drones and new demining equipment. Specialized training for Ukrainian soldiers was also discussed.
Previously, in October 2022, Spain announced for the first time the transfer of four Hawk air defense systems to Ukraine, and within a month, the transfer of two more such systems was announced. Thus, Ukraine will have a total of 12 such launcher units, enough to equip two batteries.
It is worth noting that during the European Political Community Summit, the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, also met with the Chancellor of Germany, Olaf Scholz, during which they discussed the need to protect Ukrainian airspace during the autumn-winter period, particularly due to the effectiveness of the American Patriot anti-aircraft defense systems.
"Right now, during this winter period. I believe that this is the only system today that can withstand such threats, such mass killings. Because the Patriot intercepts any missiles of the Russian villain from their path," Zelensky stated.
Later, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced that his government was already working on supplying Ukraine with an additional Patriot anti-aircraft missile complex. Furthermore, he emphasized that such weaponry is a "priority" because Russia will attempt to destroy Ukrainian critical infrastructure again.
It should be recalled that during the previous heating season, from September to March, the Kremlin released 750 rockets and 750 drones over Ukraine.