Espreso. Global

Spain holds drills to intercept drones with Patriot and HAWK, uses Ukraine's expertise

20 May, 2024 Monday
19:53

NATO countries adopt combat experience of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

client/title.list_title

On May 11-16, 2024, the Spanish army conducted large-scale exercises for its air defense units to counter enemy unmanned aerial vehicles. For these exercises, the Spanish military formed the Halcon Joint Tactical Group, which included MIM-23 Hawk missile systems from the 73rd Air Defense Missile Regiment, a Patriot battery from the 74th Air Defense Missile System, and Cervus UAV countermeasures from the 71st Air Defense Missile Regiment.

During these exercises, the Spanish army aimed to practice countering drones in the format that is used in modern wars. And at the same time, to test the readiness of its anti-aircraft gunners to destroy these very UAVs, Infodefensa said in a statement.

Ukraine's Defense Express expert group assumed that during these anti-drone exercises, the Spanish military hardly acted without guidance from the Ukrainian anti-aircraft gunners, which could have been received during direct interaction.

Spain itself has not only provided Ukraine with air defense equipment, such as MIM-23 HAWK anti-aircraft missile systems or missiles for Patriot systems, but has also trained Ukraine's air defense personnel. In particular, in March of this year, Defense Express told how Spain trained Ukraine's military to master HAWK and Patriot, and now it will train them on NASAMS as well.

Information has often surfaced in the Western media about the training of the Ukrainian military at training grounds in Europe — it is always a process where not only Ukrainian defenders but also Western instructors gain new knowledge.

"Moreover, it is not only the echelon of air defense systems that the Spanish military built during the exercise - Patriot, HAWK and Cervus anti-drone systems - that attracts special attention. But also the duration of the exercise, which lasted five days. Perhaps it also included preparations for long combat duties that could last for several days non-stop," Defense Express sums up. 

Tags:
Read also:
  • News
2025, Tuesday
21 January
17:56
Ukraine's Neptune cruise missiles: Tracking their impact on Russian targets in 2024
17:35
'Long-term peace based on Russia's interests': Putin and Xi Jinping hold video call
17:16
Ukraine is “waiting” for talks with Trump's team, says official
16:57
OPINION
Trump, "war" on transgender rights, and why Zelenskyy was not invited to inauguration
16:35
Repressions in occupied Crimea: women, lawyers, artists targeted by Russian authorities
16:14
Macron urges Europe to boost defense spending following Trump's presidency
15:54
Ukrainian experts warn of growing influence of North Korean forces in Russia's war effort
15:33
OPINION
War refugees: draft evaders and the disillusioned
15:16
Human Chain of Unity: Historic symbol of Ukraine's struggle for independence
14:56
Ukrainian paratroopers share how they captured North Korean soldier
14:48
Zelenskyy arrives in Switzerland for official visit
14:30
Ukrainian drones hit oil depot in Liski, Voronezh region, Russia — second attack in one week
14:15
Ukraine’s Zelenskyy open to negotiations, Russia’s Putin holds back, Trump says
13:55
Is U.S. aid to Ukraine at risk amid Trump’s 90-day suspension order?
13:36
Exclusive
Russia advances just 1.5 km on Pokrovsk front in a month, says military expert
13:28
Ukraine thwarts 35 corruption schemes valued at nearly UAH 5 million
13:18
Updated
Russia reports UAV attacks as Ukraine confirms strikes on Smolensk factory, Voronezh oil depot
13:12
OPINION
Putin — Trump: like on the eve of war…
12:53
Russian strikes on Dnipropetrovsk region cause injuries to railway workers
12:35
Russian soldier kills commander amid claims of brutal conditions on Zaporizhzhia front
12:13
Erdoğan, Fico discuss Ukraine war, vow to continue efforts for ceasefire
11:51
Ukraine reports 152 combat clashes on Jan. 20, repels 73 assaults in Pokrovsk direction
11:30
Exclusive
'War here feels like Vietnam': Ukraine’s 13th Brigade on situation in Kharkiv region
11:13
Exclusive
Ukraine Russia war live map, January 8-15
Street battles rage in Toretsk, says military administration head
10:52
OPINION
Trump’s team lacks clear plan to end war in Ukraine
10:13
Russia’s war against Ukraine: Trump plans to meet with Putin for talks
09:56
'Each side is going to have to give up something': U.S. Secretary of State Rubio on Russia-Ukraine war
09:35
Russia loses 1,600 soldiers, 12 tanks, 130 UAVs in one day of war in Ukraine
2025, Monday
20 January
21:30
“Today is day of change”: Zelenskyy congratulates Trump on his inauguration
21:15
Ukraine receives military aid from Latvia, including drones, generators
20:59
Trump does not mention Ukraine in his inaugural address
20:38
Exclusive
Trump won’t betray Ukraine as it means his defeat – Chairman of Ukrainian American House
20:20
Exclusive
'Mixed expectations': Espreso journalist on EU reactions to Trump’s presidency
19:59
Exclusive
Military base for training Russia's new assault forces stretches from Mariupol to Berdiansk
19:38
Exclusive
Trump’s team likely to follow 'Kellogg's plan,' says political analyst
19:15
Ukraine cannot defend itself against missiles like Oreshnik. Why Patriot and even THAAD won't help?
18:51
Exclusive
Defense Express: Strikes in Kazan target key military facilities
18:30
What Trump will focus on in next 3 months – and it’s not about Ukraine
18:04
Putin says Russia open to dialogue with Trump administration
17:55
Exclusive
Lawyer clarifies mobilization rules for those over 50 in Ukraine
More news