The United States has approved the deployment of a second Patriot missile system to Ukraine. This decision follows a series of high-level meetings and internal discussions about balancing Ukraine's needs with U.S. military readiness. The new system will be relocated from Poland, where it has protected American troops.
The Patriot system is a powerful air-defense weapon boasting a sophisticated radar and mobile launchers for intercepting incoming projectiles. However, it's also a scarce resource in the U.S. arsenal, with only 14 deployed globally. While other nations possess Patriots and have contributed some to Ukraine, the U.S. hopes for increased support from European allies.
The second Patriot system could reach Ukraine's front lines within days, pending any necessary maintenance or modifications. This timely deployment underscores the ongoing urgency of the conflict and the crucial role of air defense systems in protecting Ukrainian cities and infrastructure from Russian attacks.