Ukraine Will Be Guarded By Patriot Air Defense, Pentagon Stays Wait For Biden's 'Green Light'

JAKARTA - The Pentagon is still finalizing plans to send Patriot missile defense systems to Ukraine. Delivery proposals still need to pass Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's desk before being sent to President Joe Biden for signature.

Quoted from CNN, Wednesday, December 14, the entire process is expected to be completed soon and announced as early as this week.

Ukraine has repeatedly asked the US to send their advanced long-range air defense systems that are very effective in intercepting ballistic and cruise missiles. Ukraine continues to be hit by Russian missile and drone attacks that have destroyed key infrastructure across the country.

If the Pentagon's plan is realized, it will become the most effective long-range defense weapon system sent to Ukraine. The patriot missile is also believed to provide security certainty for NATO countries in eastern Europe.

It is unclear how many missile launchers will be delivered. But Patriots include a set of radars that detect and track targets, computers, power generation equipment, engagement control stations and up to eight launchers each carrying four ready-to-fire missiles.

After the plan is finalized, the Patriots are expected to be delivered quickly in the coming days. Ukrainian soldiers will be trained to use them at US Army bases in Grafenwoehr, Germany.