In a major development, the United States announced on Thursday that it would redirect a significant number of air defense missiles originally intended for other countries to Ukraine, which has faced ongoing aggression from Russia. This affects interceptor missiles designed for both Patriot and NASAMS air defense systems provided by the US.
The White House said that while missiles ordered by other countries would eventually be delivered, their shipments would be delayed by at least 16 months. It did not disclose any of the countries affected by this move but added that Taiwan was not included.
John Kirby, spokesperson of the US National Security Council, however, said it was an extraordinary step to drive home a strategic message to Russia. "If you believe you can wait out Ukraine or those supporting them, you are mistaken," Kirby said. "We are making sure Ukraine receives critical air defense capabilities promptly and for the future."
Prodded for numbers, Kirby said the number of missiles that would be diverted was in the hundreds. Affected countries had been briefed on the decision and understand why it had been made, he said. "We have notified all impacted nations of this extraordinary step to minimize disruptions to their foreign military sales cases," Kirby said. "If any of our allies were under similar circumstances as Ukraine, we would do the same to support their security needs."
Deliveries of these missiles will begin well before the end of summer and will continue for the next 16 months, all in efforts to strengthen Ukraine's defenses against increased Russian missile threats.
It was reiterated that Biden will also keep his administration committed to long-term support for Ukraine, working in tandem with European and Asian allies on major defense aid of billions of dollars.
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