Ukraine makes progress in negotiations with US on supply of F-16 aircraft, Patriot air defense systems, Gray Eagle UAVs - Politico

This is reported by Politico.

The American edition notes that Ukraine has recently stopped publicly demanding Patriot air defense systems, F-16 fighter jets, and Gray Eagle drones from the US, but negotiations on this issue have not stopped.

"Behind the scenes, the search for weapons that could turn the tide of the war does not stop. In recent weeks, there has been a transition from loud calls for the supply of air defense systems and fighter jets to quieter negotiations," Politico's sources inform.

According to them, the discussion of the Patriot issue is at an early stage in the US Department of Defense, and the final decision will be made by President Joe Biden.

"But the fact that officials are talking about the possibility is a major step forward from this spring, when they dismissed the idea," Politico writes.

It is noted that one of the obstacles to a positive decision on the Patriot is the relative lack of these air defense systems, as they are used by US allies in Europe, the Middle East, and the Pacific region.

At the same time, Politico points out that the Pentagon signed a USD 182 million contract with Raytheon Technologies for the production of the NASAMS mobile anti-aircraft missile system. The first two systems will be delivered within the next two months.

"If the plan is implemented, it is likely that the US will sign a contract with Raytheon to create additional systems for Kyiv, instead of transferring Patriot batteries from US stocks," the sources said. 

As for the F-16s, they are in growing demand as more Eastern European countries retire their old planes in anticipation of new ones. In addition, Taiwan also needs fighters. 

Regarding the supply of Gray Eagle, negotiations are also ongoing. The main obstacle here is that the US fears the potential loss of technology used in drones if they are shot down by the Russians. 

The publication notes that the Patriot, F-16, and Gray Eagle are currently not included in the list of weapons that Ukraine requested from the US for 2023.