Pentagon will strengthen Ukraine's air defense: US will send more than 500 missiles to Patriot and Nasams systems

The supply of missiles to air defense systems must close the needs of the Defense Forces of Ukraine by the end of 2024. In addition, the departure of contractors is expected to assist in the repair and maintenance of F-16 fighters. Sent weapons to Ukraine usually lasts weeks or even months, now in Washington is considering other help options, including weapons in other countries, said a high -ranking American official.

The former US Department of Defense official, familiar with the situation, stated that there are limited reserves of aviation ammunition that can be transferred to Ukrainian F-16 fighter jets. The planes, first of all, are used as a means of air defense for the destruction of rockets and drones of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. In general, the plans of US Presidential Administration Joe Biden to send military equipment to Ukraine billions of dollars face serious logistics obstacles.

Many officials are afraid of exhaustion of the already limited reserves of the Pentagon. More than $ 7 billion allocated to the Pentagon for the transfer of weapons and ammunition to Ukraine from its stocks has not yet been used, as well as more than $ 2 billion to finance long -term contracts for the supply of equipment for Kiev.

WSJ interlocutors emphasize that more than $ 7 billion allocated to the Pentagon for the transfer of weapons and ammunition to Ukraine remain unspent, as well as $ 2 billion to finance long -term contracts for the supply of weapons of Kiev. "In an effort to direct as much military assistance to Kyiv by January (before Donald Trump, - ed. ), Baiden hopes to strengthen Ukraine's position in future negotiations and strengthen its defense capability," the sources said.