Ukraine lost some anti-drone systems as US redirected to Middle East

"I was on Capitol Hill all week for hearings. And one of the questions asked was, 'Did you move some of the counter-unmanned aerial systems defenses from Ukraine to the Middle East?' To which I answered, 'Yes, we did,'" Hegseth said.

He added that the US is using all available resources to protect "our people in that region and around the world," as the defense landscape has changed.

Hegseth emphasized that small systems like drones can pose a significant threat, and "we're as prepared as we can be."

The Pentagon chief also reiterated that the entire war is changing right before our eyes. He added that this equipment — drones — is frightening.

Background

About a week ago, The Wall Street Journal reported that the Pentagon chief ordered missile disruptors originally meant for Ukraine to be redirected to US forces in the Middle East.

According to the report, the decision to send the weapons to Ukraine was made during President Joe Biden's administration.

Additionally, last weekend, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine was expected to receive 20,000 specialized missiles to counter Shahed drones.

However, the Trump administration decided to redeploy them to the Middle East.