Key Highlights:
Defense Cooperation: On July 24, Spanish Minister of Defense Margarita Robles informed Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umyerov about the transfer of a HAWK anti-aircraft missile battery to Ukraine. This information was shared during an online meeting between the two officials.
Timeline and Operational Readiness: The HAWK anti-aircraft battery is expected to be fully operational in Ukraine by September, enhancing the air defense potential of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Training Progress: Robles highlighted the significant progress in training Ukrainian military personnel, noting that the number of trained soldiers has reached 5,000.
Humanitarian Support: Spain is also providing humanitarian assistance, including the transportation of orphans and relatives of Ukrainian soldiers from Poland to Spain for respite.
Gratitude and Support: Umyerov expressed sincere gratitude for Spain's unwavering support and provision of fully functional military materials, which actively contribute to Ukraine's defense against Russian aggression.
HAWK System Overview: The HAWK air defense system is designed to eliminate missiles and has been successfully used by the Ukrainian military to target kamikaze drones. The Air Force previously released a video demonstrating the system's effectiveness and featuring an operator-gunner sharing operational insights.
Conclusion
Spain's commitment to transferring a HAWK anti-aircraft battery to Ukraine by September is a significant boost to Ukraine's air defense capabilities. This support, along with military training and humanitarian assistance, underscores the strong defense cooperation between Spain and Ukraine.
