This week, 100 Ukrainian troops will travel to Oklahoma to learn how to operate Patriot missile defense systems, American Military News (AMN) reports.
“I can confirm that training for Ukrainian forces on the Patriot air defense system will begin as soon as next week at Fort Sill, Oklahoma,” said U.S. Air Force Brigadier General Pat Ryder.
“The training will prepare approximately 90 to 100 Ukrainian soldiers to operate, maintain and sustain the defensive system over a training course expected to last several months.”
The Pentagon press secretary also claimed that the Patriot missiles “will contribute to Ukraine’s air defense capabilities and provide another capability to the Ukrainian people to defend themselves against Russia’s ongoing aerial assaults.”
During a Dec 21 visit, President Volodymyr Zelensky and the Biden administration announced that the U.S. would supply Patriot missiles to Ukraine to help defend against these types of attacks.
The 100 troops being trained is enough to operate one Patriot missile battery, which typically takes 90 individuals to operate and maintain, according to AMN.
The U.S. has also recently agreed to provide Ukraine with armored fighting vehicles, including 50 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles, which will be equipped with 500 TOW anti-tank missiles and 250,000 rounds of 25-millimeter ammunition, in addition to the Patriot missile defense systems.
