Ukraine’s anticipated Patriot systems “won’t be enough”, military expert says
global.espreso.tv
Tue, 15 Jul 2025 19:58:00 +0300

Mykola Sunhurovskyi, director of military programs at the Razumkov Center, shared his opinions with Espreso TV."It’s hard to give a clear answer. In military-technical terms, this is not exactly a battery. There are two classifications, military-technical and organizational. A system includes two radar stations for observation and guidance, one launcher, and support equipment like power units and refueling stations. A battery includes the same two radar stations, one launcher, and the support equipment. So when we hear about 17 systems, it’s unclear whether they mean systems or batteries. Most likely, they mean systems. The number of launchers in a battery can vary from four to eight," Sunhurovskyi explained.If counting eight launchers per battery, that means two batteries from Germany, as mentioned earlier, plus one launcher from Norway, which was also promised.“That’s not enough. Of course, it will help and support Ukraine’s air defense, but it’s not enough to build a full, layered air defense system,” Mykola Sunhurovskyi said.He also noted that discussions are underway about a military aid package that will include other weapons, particularly air defense systems, possibly short-range or close-range.“But in addition, a military aid package has been promised, which will include other weapons, such as air defense systems — probably short-range or close-range — as well as missiles, which are considered offensive weapons. However, there is still uncertainty about the amount, the exact timing, and when these will arrive in Ukraine.The German Defense Minister has already said it won’t happen immediately; it will take several months. Considering that Trump gave Putin 50 days to complete his plan for a summer offensive, this timing will be critical for Ukraine, as the aid would arrive near the end of that offensive.I believe, or at least hope, that the rest of the weapons, which have not been officially promised but are implied in this package, will arrive earlier. That way, they can strengthen Ukraine’s defense and influence the situation on the front lines. I really hope so, but my hopes are somewhat pessimistic. Unfortunately, the determination of some partners to refuse providing such weapons leaves much to be desired,” the expert added.On July 13, U.S. President Donald Trump announced the supply of Patriot anti-aircraft missile systems to Ukraine, sharply criticizing Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
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