Spain's secret winter aid: Air defence systems for Ukraine
The Ukrainian agency Unian reports that Spain provided Ukraine with six air defence systems at a crucial time during the winter, when Russia was planning attacks on energy infrastructure. The agency cites Volodymyr Zelensky's words.
According to Zelensky's statement during the international "Support Ukraine" conference, which took place in Kyiv, Spain delivered six air defence systems to Ukraine. Pedro Sánchez, the Prime Minister of Spain, secretly provided weapons to Ukraine at a time when Ukrainians needed them most—during the winter.
Weapons from Spain secretly delivered to Ukraine
Volodymyr Zelensky recalled that his visit to Spain during a difficult time (in winter) resulted in Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's decision to support Ukraine. "Pedro (Pedro Sanchez, Prime Minister of Spain, – ed.) made a decision. It was a decision that I really needed," said Zelensky, expressing gratitude for the help of six air defence systems. The President of Ukraine did not reveal which specific systems Spain secretly provided, but it is worth remembering that as early as 2024, Madrid sent six MIM-23 Hawk systems to Ukraine. It can be assumed that the secret support concerned the same weapons. The list of support from Spain also includes artillery missiles, ammunition for Patriots, and Leopard tanks.
Additionally, during the international meeting in Kyiv, Pedro Sánchez announced a new $1.1 billion military aid package for Ukraine. The Prime Minister assured that Spain would continue to support Ukraine, providing military and technical equipment as long as necessary.
MIM-23 Hawk system
The MIM-23 Hawk, also known as the Homing All the Way Killer, is an American medium-range surface-to-air missile system. It was designed in the 1960s to defend against the former Soviet Union's aviation.
Initially, the MIM-23 Hawk system could shoot down targets at a distance of up to 26 km and an altitude of up to 14 km. However, significant modifications were made over time to increase the missiles' effectiveness, and the range expanded to as much as 40 km.
Currently, the MIM-23 Hawk is used in Ukraine to combat targets such as Su-25 and Su-24 aircraft and older types of cruise missiles, like the Kh-102. This system can also neutralize Shahed drones, expanding its possible applications.
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