According to Spanish media outlet Cope, Spain has begun offering technical maintenance training for the Patriot missile system to Ukrainian military personnel. report February 2.
Soldiers from the Spanish Flak Command are currently leading training near the city of Valencia in support of Ukraine as part of the European Union Military Assistance Mission. Training on the Patriot missile system is part of the Spanish military’s commitment to intensify the training of Ukrainian military personnel by 2024, the country’s General Staff announced on Friday.
The Patriot system is recognized as one of the world’s best air defense systems, allowing Ukraine to shoot down missiles and reduce the risk of infrastructure damage and civilian casualties in the event of a Russian attack.
ukraine received The first Patriot System was deployed in April 2023, and its effectiveness was quickly proven with the following results: go down at least 15 The air-launched ballistic Kinzhal missile was hailed by Moscow as an “unstoppable hypersonic” weapon.
NATO allies have moved in recent months to strengthen the alliance’s air defenses amid continued Russian aggression in Europe. January 3, NATO Support and Procurement Agency announced Agreement to purchase 1,000 Patriot air defense missiles for coalition member states including Germany, the Netherlands, Romania and Spain.
In Japan in December announced The country could change its arms export rules and send Patriot missiles to the United States, potentially sending some of its current stockpile to Ukraine while the United States replenishes its own stockpile.
In addition to the Patriot missile training, the Spanish Brigade continues to mentor Ukrainian soldiers selected to command small combat units in Girona, with new training to begin next month, the Spanish General Staff announced. .
Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Spain has trained approximately 3,500 soldiers, making it the third largest European contributor to the training of Ukrainian personnel.
NATO agrees to purchase 1,000 Patriot missiles for coalition members
The contract includes all relevant components and spare parts and is born out of a joint venture between NSPA and COMLOG, which itself is a joint venture between arms manufacturing company MDBA Germany and one of the largest US defense contractors Raytheon. is divided between.
