The Department of Defense will begin training Ukrainian forces on the Patriot missile system at Fort Sill in Oklahoma as soon as next week.
"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. 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," Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder, a Pentagon spokesman, announced at Tuesday's briefing.
"The focus is on this initial class certainly will keep dialogue open in terms of any potential future training, but right now, the focus is on training these operators to operate this system," he explained. The Patriot missile defense system, a Raytheon product, is designed to track and intercept incoming ballistic and cruise missiles, and it would help the Ukrainians defend against aerial strikes Russian forces are launching using Iranian-made Shahed drones that are targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure.
The base is home to both basic Patriot missile defense training and field artillery training for U.S. troops.Russian officials warned the Biden administration of “unpredictable consequences” last month if President Joe Biden went through with providing Ukraine with the Patriot missile system, while Ryder said in response at the time the U.S. will not"allow comments from Russia to dictate the security assistance" the Biden administration provides.
“I find it ironic and very telling that officials from a country that brutally attacked its neighbor in an illegal and unprovoked invasion through a campaign that is deliberately targeting and killing innocent civilians and destroying civilian infrastructure, that they would choose to use words like provocative to describe defensive systems that are meant to save lives and protect civilians,” Ryder said at the time.
Brasil Últimas Notícias, Brasil Manchetes
Similar News:Você também pode ler notícias semelhantes a esta que coletamos de outras fontes de notícias.
US to start training Ukrainians on Patriot system on US soil next weekThe U.S. intends to begin training with Ukrainian soldiers next week on the sophisticated Patriot missile system first pledged last month.
Consulte Mais informação »
First on CNN: Ukrainians to start training on Patriot missiles in US as soon as next week, officials say | CNN PoliticsThe Ukrainians are set to begin training on the Patriot missile system in the United States as soon as next week, two US officials familiar with the matter tell CNN.
Consulte Mais informação »
Ukrainians honor dead fighter at outdoor funeral in capitalUkrainian soldiers, family and mourners have gathered in frigid weather in Kyiv to pay tribute to a soldier killed fighting against Russian forces in Bakhmut.
Consulte Mais informação »
Carr, tough defense push No. 6 Texas past Oklahoma St. 56-46With interim coach Rodney Terry at the helm, the Longhorns focused on basketball. Marcus Carr scored 12 points in Texas' 56-46 win over Oklahoma State, and Texas (13-2, 2-1 Big 12) improved to 6-1 under Terry.
Consulte Mais informação »
Ukrainians mark somber Orthodox Christmas in Bakhmut as shelling goes on | CNNThe shelter was jammed with people on the eve of Orthodox Christmas. Some were trying to warm up around the wood stove after traveling in the freezing drizzle. Others lined up for a cup of hot coffee and biscuits. Under the Christmas tree lay a tangle of wires charging mobile phones.
Consulte Mais informação »