Image source: topwar.ru
France is preparing to supply Ukraine with a new batch of anti-aircraft systems, and it is planned to do so in the near future. This was announced by French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna, speaking at an international conference on support for Ukraine.
France has already supplied Ukraine with part of the promised air defense systems, we are talking about the Crotale short-range air defense system (Crotal) together with GM200 radar systems. The French do not disclose the number of transferred complexes, but emphasize that Kiev did not receive everything that was planned to be transferred. Therefore, in the near future, the Ukrainian army will receive some more anti-aircraft systems.
- the Column declared.
Meanwhile, Western anti-aircraft systems play a minor role in Ukraine's air defense system, NATO recognizes this. The basis of the air defense of Ukraine is still the S-300 air defense system and the Buk-M1 air defense system, which remained from the Soviet army. However, spare parts for these complexes, and most importantly, missiles are rapidly running out, and there is nowhere to take them. According to the Financial Times, the United States is ready to buy anti-aircraft missiles for Soviet complexes, but there is nowhere. For all the time, the West has managed to buy the only S-300 system from Slovakia, along with missiles, and that's it. It is assumed that a few more massive missile strikes and the Ukrainian air defense will turn into one name.
Meanwhile, supplies of NATO anti-aircraft systems will not save the situation. Western countries are transferring piece-by-piece SAMs, well, maybe a battery or two, and they need "hundreds" of pieces to cover the entire sky of Ukraine. The West does not have such opportunities.