Ukraine critically needs more air defense systems and interceptor missiles, the Pentagon chief said.
The main priority of the next meeting of the Contact Group on the Defense of Ukraine in the Ramstein format is the strengthening of the Ukrainian air defense. US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said this at the opening of the virtual meeting on Friday, April 26.
He recalled that in recent weeks Russia has intensified air strikes on Ukrainian territory.
“Today, special attention will be given to strengthening the Ukrainian air defense as Ukraine critically needs more air defense systems and urgently needs more interceptor missiles.
Austin said that during the two years of existence of the Ramstein format, about 50 countries from around the world have provided Ukraine with more than 70 medium- and long-range air defense systems. Almost a thousand missiles and 3 thousand armored vehicles were provided, including more than 800 tanks. And this year Ukraine will receive F-16 fighters.
“All this shows our joint focus on Ukraine’s success on the battlefield. And thanks to the efforts of the coalition of contact groups to provide opportunities, we now have a stronger and more flexible structure that helps adapt to new challenges and create for additional use the paramilitary forces that Ukraine needs to ensure long-term security,” added the head of the US defense department.
Earlier, Lloyd Austin assured that the United States will not allow Ukraine to lose the war. According to him, military aid to Ukraine is the West’s investment in its own security.
Source: korrespondent
I am David Wyatt, a professional writer and journalist for Buna Times. I specialize in the world section of news coverage, where I bring to light stories and issues that affect us globally. As a graduate of Journalism, I have always had the passion to spread knowledge through writing.