Kyiv has officially confirmed the critical need to strengthen its air defense system. Acting Minister of Defense of Ukraine Yevhen Yermak stated that the country is doing everything possible to counter the Russian ballistic threat, but the key factor remains the speed of receiving Western weaponry.
Request for PAC-3 and PAC-2
According to Yermak, Ukraine has sent a request to Washington to maximize the acceleration of interceptor missile deliveries. The discussion concerns specific types of munitions: PAC-3 and PAC-2 GEM-T. These missiles are critical components for neutralizing ballistic threats.
Official Kyiv emphasizes that the rapid delivery of these systems directly affects the safety of the population. The missiles are intended to protect cities and preserve the country's defense industry from destruction.
Localization of production and exchange of experience
In addition to direct deliveries, the focus is on the creation of joint production capacities. Yermak discussed with American partners the launch of production and localization of missiles for Patriot systems. This decision is being implemented within the framework of agreements between the presidents of Ukraine and the US.
Currently, companies engaged in the production of interceptors for Patriot systems are in the early stages of building factories on Ukrainian territory. This should ensure more stable supply in the long term.
Technological partnership
A separate vector of cooperation became the discussion of the field of unmanned aerial vehicles. The Acting Minister of Defense emphasized that Ukraine is ready to share with the US unique experience in conducting modern technological warfare using drones.
Earlier, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that to strengthen air defense during the winter period, the country expects to receive 300 missiles for Patriot systems from allies. Current negotiations with Washington are aimed at implementing these plans in the shortest possible time.
