The US and Ukraine are joining forces with Europe to replace the S-300 air defense system and the R-27 missiles: Austin
The United States, Ukraine and a number of European countries are actively working to find a replacement for the outdated S-300 anti-aircraft missile system and the R-27 air-to-air missile, which are still in use by the Ukrainian armed forces. This step is aimed at modernizing the air defense system of Ukraine in the conditions of a long war and the threat from Russia. About this stated US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin during a meeting of the Contact Group on Defense of Ukraine at Ramstein Air Base in Germany.
“The United States has also allocated more than $200 million to purchase critical components to enable Ukraine to produce the UAVs and electronic warfare systems it has so effectively deployed.”, he said.
According to him, defense cooperation is aimed at meeting the strategic needs of Ukraine and accelerating the supply of modern air defense equipment. Austin emphasized that the US actively uses its industrial base to provide long-term support to Ukraine, which is an important element in strengthening the country’s defense capabilities.
“But Ukraine has a long way to go for its long-term security. Ukraine must continue to build up its own defense production, and many members of the contact group already support these efforts.”, – emphasized the head of the US Defense Ministry.
Austin also noted that national weapons directors are involved in developing solutions that will not only ensure the replacement of old systems, but also allow Ukraine to increase the effectiveness of its defenses against the constant threat of Russian aggression. Cooperation with European companies and allies is aimed at accelerating the supply of the latest defense technologies and systems.
On September 6, another meeting of the Contact Group on Defense of Ukraine was held at the Ramstein Air Base, in which representatives of many countries took part. This time, the meeting had a special significance due to the personal presence of the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyi, who emphasized the importance of international support and modernization of Ukraine’s defense potential to resist aggression. Zelensky called on allies to further expand aid to ensure the security of Ukrainian skies.
