US finalizing plans to provide Patriot air defense to Ukraine

This is reported by CNN.

Three US officials said that the Biden administration is finalizing plans to send the Patriot missile defense system to Ukraine, which could be announced as early as this week.

The plan is now awaiting approval from Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin before it is sent to US President Joe Biden for signature. 

“Ukraine has been calling for the US to send the advanced long-range air defense system that is highly effective at intercepting ballistic and cruise missiles as it comes under a barrage of Russian missile and drone attacks that have destroyed key infrastructure across the country. It would be the most effective long-range defensive weapons system sent to the country and officials say it will help secure airspace for NATO nations in eastern Europe,” CNN writes.

It is unclear exactly how many missile systems will be sent, but a typical Patriot battery has a radar that detects and tracks targets, computers, power generating equipment, an engagement control station, and up to eight launchers, each with four to fire missiles .

Officials suggest that after the Patriot air defense system is shipped, Ukrainians be trained to use it at a US Army base in Germany.