Ukraine leases air defense systems to strengthen protection during the winter period

15 October, 2023 Illustration photo of the Patriot PAC 3 launcher. Photo from open sources Ukraine is leasing air defense systems from international partners to strengthen protection during the winter period.

Yurii Ihnat, Speaker of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, reported this on the air of the telethon. "We already have this practice. Some countries have lent it to us.

It is clear that each country cares primarily about its own priorities and its own defense. No one is going to give us their air defense systems for free. Why is it taking so long to supply air defense systems, why are they being delivered in such a dosed manner?

Because there is not enough air defense in the world to take and give us at once," the Air Force spokesman shared. Ihnat emphasized that the transfer of air defense systems to Ukraine for the heating season is a "great and positive sign."

Illustrative photo of the French SAMP-T air defense system. Photo from open sources

Countries that have leased their air defense systems are not disclosed.

"Let's not say which countries. This information is sensitive. Especially our partners would not want us to disclose it," Ihnat emphasized.

The nomenclature of leased air defense equipment and the scheme and renting conditions were also not disclosed. Launchers, radar stations, transport and charging vehicles, and other elements of air defense systems could be rented.

World practice of arms rental

Arms rental is a common world practice used by a large number of countries, including European ones. Such procedures help to relieve the economy and logistics of the rental country from excess property for a certain period of time.

The tenant country is able to close its defense needs in the short or long term before replacing the leased weapons with its own.

Czech Air Force JAS 39 Gripen leased from Sweden. Photo from open sources

Tanks, fighter jets, ships, submarines, and ammunition are being leased to other countries. Before signing the lease, the parties discuss procedures for compensating funds in case of loss or damage, maintenance procedures, operation restrictions, and scope of use.

For example, currently, the Czech Air Force is based on 14 Gripen aircraft leased from Sweden.

They will remain in the Czech Air Force until 2027.

Italy is considering leasing 125 Leopard tanks, and the United States is leasing 500,000 rounds of ammunition from South Korea.