Ukrainian military completes training on Patriot air defense system in the United States
31 March, 2023 Patriot air defense system launcher of the Netherlands. Photo credits: NATO media library The Ukrainian military, trained on Patriot SAMs in the United States, have returned to Europe.
The Pentagon press secretary Pat Ryder announced that the other day several dozen Ukrainian military had completed training on Patriot air defense systems in America. These systems are to be delivered to Ukraine from the United States and other NATO countries in the near future to defend against Russian air attacks. "This week, 65 Ukrainian air defense personnel were trained on Patriot systems in Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and are now back in Europe," Pat Ryder said.
He added that after the exercises, the military would undergo additional training in Europe on the Patriot systems provided by the United States, Germany and the Netherlands.
Pentagon spokesman Brig. Gen. Patrick S.
Ryder. Photo credits: US Department of Defense
Earlier, the media reported, citing Pentagon officials, that two Patriot systems - American and the German-Dutch ones, would be deployed in Ukraine in the coming weeks. In early January, the Pentagon announced that the exercises of Ukrainian forces on the air defense system, held in Oklahoma, had begun in mid-January and were to last several months.
It was planned that the training at the Fort Sill base would be held for 90-100 Ukrainian soldiers who would operate Patriot systems once they were delivered to Ukraine. According to Pentagon officials, Patriot systems will strengthen Ukraine's air defense, because they will allow shooting down, in particular, enemy's ballistic missiles and aircraft aimed at both troops and civilian targets.
Training of the Ukrainian military on the Patriot air defense system in Germany. February 2023.
Photo credits: Ministry of Defense of the Federal Republic of Germany
Earlier, with reference to Pentagon representatives, US media reported about the decision of the US defense department to accelerate the supply of tanks and Patriot systems to Ukraine.
This decision is associated with the expected Ukrainian spring offensive, for which the Allies are willing to provide Ukraine with newer and more advanced weapons.
In addition, Ukrainian servicemen are mastering the Patriot air defense system in Germany as well.