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Trump’s stance raises questions about air defense missile supplies – Defense Express

Sofiia Turko
19 February, 2025 Wednesday
19:54

Military expert and Defence Express editor-in-chief Oleh Katkov stated that Ukraine needs continued ammunition supplies for the systems already provided by the U.S.

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He made this statement on Espreso TV.  

"There's a shortage of missiles for the Patriots, and this is the reality we are facing, as since January 22, Ukraine has not been receiving new weapon packages from the U.S. Let’s remember what happened a year ago when Biden was still president, and Republicans were blocking funds for Ukraine’s aid. Back then, we constantly talked about the threats," Katkov noted.  

According to the military expert, Ukraine requires a continuous supply of ammunition. The packages that previously came every two weeks from the U.S. were no longer a surprise, but they always included surface-to-air missiles for various air defense systems, including Patriot missiles. Without replenishing these stocks, they will run out.  

"The question is what reserves were created by the Biden administration and how these supplies are being managed. But we must understand that whatever stockpiles were created, they are being depleted," Katkov said.  

He emphasized that Ukraine needs the continued supply of ammunition for the systems already provided by the U.S. 

"This specifically refers to American missiles for American Patriot air defense systems. It also refers to American missiles for joint European-American NASAMS systems, as well as missiles used by F-16s. And generally, F-16s need to receive the appropriate American-made armament. So, the current position of President Trump raises the question: where will all this come from?" Katkov added. 

  • The Gravehawk air defense system is surprisingly simple – it's housed in a sea container and uses Ukrainian R-73 missiles.
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