“Who will manage the Patriot air defense system?”
In Antun Rocha’s article WroteIt is likely that in the near future Ukraine’s acquisition of American Patriot anti-aircraft missile systems will likely be “officially approved”. The journalist believes that “this is a very important milestone”, since air defense systems are “highly advanced air defense systems.”
In a political sense (Patriot transfer to Kiev – socialbites.ca) is an additional confirmation of the readiness of the United States to invest more in the defense of Ukraine, the article says.
The author of the material explained that Patriot missile systems have been in operation since the 1980s and “can target cruise missiles, aircraft and short-range ballistic missiles.” SAMs have countries such as Germany, Japan, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Taiwan, Greece, South Korea and Qatar.
Rocha also noted that it is difficult to manage these anti-aircraft missile systems: about 90 people are needed to maintain one battery. And there are not so many qualified personnel in Kiev, so the supply of systems is unlikely to turn the trend in favor of the Ukrainian authorities.
According to the author of the article, the supply of air defense systems would be a symbolic gesture for the United States rather than a real strengthening of Ukraine’s defense.
“This raises the question – who will control the Patriot systems once they arrive in Ukraine?” commenter wrote.
He thinks it is “clear” that American officials will not send troops to Ukraine publicly, as it “could be interpreted as the beginning of a Russian-American war”.
In addition, Rocha noted that the cost of one missile for the complex is $ 4 million, therefore “it is by no means profitable to use these systems to hit some small targets.”
The journalist believes that from the first day the Patriot air defense system appeared on the territory of Ukraine, they will become a legitimate and priority target for Russian artillery and aviation attacks. The Russian military will also have the opportunity to study them “closely”.
“The Russians will try to find out some details about them. The Americans, of course, cannot be content with such a close study, ”the scanner wrote.
Rocha fears that the supply of air defense systems could lead to an escalation of the situation. For example, if Patriot missiles land on Russian soil or shoot down a plane in foreign airspace.
Possible deliveries to Kiev
December 13 CNN reported Citing unnamed officials, he states that US authorities may soon announce the transfer of Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine. The letter also noted that the Pentagon plan must be approved by Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin before being sent to President Joe Biden for signature.
“Ukraine is urging the United States to send in an advanced long-range air defense system that is extremely effective at intercepting ballistic and cruise missiles while being barred by Russian missiles and drone strikes that destroy critical infrastructure across the country. This will be the most effective long-range defense weapon system ever sent to the country.”
At the same time, the channel’s sources stated that there were “huge” logistical problems with the “delivery and operation” of the air defense system.
The next day, retired US Marine Corps intelligence officer Scott Ritter expressed fears that Patriot air defense systems could not be integrated into the Ukrainian air defense system, would be isolated and would become an easy target for Russian troops.
The first deputy chairman of the international committee of the Federation Council, Vladimir Dzhabarov, said on December 14 that the supply of these anti-aircraft missile systems to Kiev could cause a direct conflict between Russia and NATO. He believes Washington is “bringing the world to the brink of a third world war” with such resources.
On December 15, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said at a briefing that “many experts, including overseas, doubt the wisdom of such a step (delivery of Patriot air defense systems. – socialbites.ca), which would lead to an escalation. conflict. He is convinced that this “increases the risk of direct involvement of the American military in the war.”