Ukraine deploys Patriot air defense system

A soldier stands in front of PATRIOT (Phased Array Tracking Radar to Intercept on Target) surface-to-air missile systems during a military exercise at Warsaw Babice Airport, Poland on Feb 7, 2023. (PHOTO / AFP)

KIEV – The Patriot air defense system has been deployed in Ukraine, Ukrainian Air Force Commander Mykola Oleshchuk said on Wednesday.

"From April 2023, the Patriot air defense system is on combat duty in Ukraine," Oleshchuk wrote in a Telegram post.

The Ukrainian servicemen are "quickly mastering" their skills in using the air defense system, he said.

The Patriot will help Ukraine protect its skies from ballistic missiles, Ukrainian Air Force Commander Mykola Oleshchuk said

The Patriot will help Ukraine protect its skies from ballistic missiles, Oleshchuk added.

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On April 19, Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov said that Patriot systems have arrived in Ukraine.

According to Ukrainian Air Force spokesman Yuriy Ignat, the Patriot missile system can destroy targets at distances up to 150 kilometers.

Meanwhile, NATO allies and partners have delivered almost all their promised combat vehicles to Ukraine, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on Thursday.

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"More than 98 percent of the combat vehicles promised to Ukraine have already been delivered. That means over 1,550 armored vehicles, 230 tanks, and other equipment, including vast amounts of ammunition," he told reporters at NATO headquarters in Brussels.

With Reuters inputs