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Ukraine to get Patriot Missiles, Abrams tanks, sooner than expected [1]

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Date: 2023-03-21  

US troops preparing a Patriot battery for transport in 2019.

CNN is reporting that the first Patriot air defense systems may be active in Ukraine in a matter of weeks rather than months. The first batch of 65 Ukrainian trainees are wrapping up their training here in the US and then will go to Europe for a bit more training, then head back to Ukraine after that, presumably in the company of their new Patriot systems. Ukraine will be receiving 2 Patriot batteries, one American system and one German/Dutch built system.

The accelerated pace apparently is due to the Ukrainians already having familiarity with air defense systems, combined with being quick studies, which has allowed their training to be expedited.

While two Patriot systems won’t be a game changer, these systems should provide cover for critical locations like the city of Kyiv, for example, that have been the target of many Russian missile strikes. These are not mobile systems, so they are designed to protect a critical area or target.

In other news, Ukraine will also be getting US Abrams tanks sooner than had originally been anticipated as well. This will be accomplished by providing older M1-A1 models, rather than the newer M1-A2, which would have required either updating some of the older tanks or manufacturing new ones to accomplish.

The change means that the arrival of the Abrams in Ukraine will take an anticipated 8-10 months instead of well over a year as had originally been expected with the newer M1-A2 model. The US has pledged to send 31 Abrams to Ukraine, enough to outfit three tank companies. The tanks sent will likely come from the Marine Corp, which is getting rid of its tanks, or possibly from training units. 8-10 months is still a long ways away and means Ukraine won’t be seeing these take the field this year, but just knowing they’re on their way will no doubt be a morale booster.

Edit: correction to show that the number of Abrams to be sent will equal 3 companies, not 3 battalions as was originally stated.

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[1] Url: https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2023/3/21/2159468/-Ukraine-to-get-Patriot-Missiles-Abrams-tanks-sooner-than-expected

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