US to provide $1.85 billion military aid to Ukraine, including critical Patriot missile system

The Biden administration has announced that it would provide its key Patriot missile defence system to Ukraine to assist it in its fight against Russia. The Patriot missile system can be used as a shield against short-range ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and incoming jets.

This will be the first-ever handover of such a defence system to Ukraine and strengthen the Ukrainian defence. The new systems aim to assist Ukraine in improving its air cover, as the country has recently faced several problems, including power outages, due to Russian missiles. The White House stated that the Patriot missile system would be part of another £1.53 billion ($1.85 billion) in aid to Ukraine.

The package also includes military vehicles, mortars, ammunition for HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems), and small arms. Meanwhile, an expert claimed that although the transfer of the defence system is a significant aid to Ukraine, it would make only a "minor difference." The package consists of only one Patriot battery, which will have eight launchers, each having a capacity of four missile interceptors.




The aid has been announced at a time when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is visiting the US to strengthen the military ties between the two countries. Notably, the US had previously been reluctant to supply the system to Ukraine due to a possible response from Russia. Earlier, Russia had warned that a missile system like the Patriot would be considered a "provocative move" by the US.

FAQs:

1. What is the Patriot?
   The Patriot is a missile defence system that can be used as a shield against short-range ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and incoming jets.
2. What does the HIMARS stand for?
   HIMARS stands for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems.