Ukraine seeks THAAD systems from US and Middle East to counter Russian bombs
Photo: Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Getty Images)
Ukraine is preparing requests to the United States and Middle Eastern countries for the transfer of THAAD air defense systems, which could become an effective way to counter guided aerial bombs (KABs), according to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
“Ukraine must have a clear understanding of security guarantees. Everything must be written in a way that Ukrainians understand them. The agreement is that in the coming days Ukraine will include in the draft document answers to the questions we have regarding these security guarantees,” Zelenskyy said.
According to him, there must be a clear answer on how the United States would respond in the event of new Russian aggression. Ukraine is also maintaining an 800,000-strong army, but the question remains how it will be financed beyond the Ukrainian budget.
Request for new air defense systems
“Today, Ukraine already has experience working with representatives of the Middle East and the Gulf in consultations and expertise. At the same time, we want to rely on the anti-ballistic systems that these countries have, but we do not,” the president added.
This refers in particular to THAAD systems. Such systems are not available in Europe. It is crucial that they be deployed in Ukraine. In that case, for example, the threat of Russian aerial bombs would effectively disappear.
“At least within a range of 200 kilometers, we would definitely eliminate this threat. Russian aircraft simply would not approach. We would like to have answers to these questions. We will also propose how we see it. Then the American side will analyze everything and respond,” Zelenskyy concluded.
An effective tool against KABs. Ukraine prepares THAAD requests, Zelenskyy says
What is THAAD
THAAD is a ground-based anti-missile system designed for high-altitude, exo-atmospheric interception of ballistic missiles.
The system is built around the AN/TPY-2 radar with a digital phased array antenna measuring 9.2 square meters, operating in the X-band. Its detection range is estimated between 1,000 and 2,000 kilometers.
The radar operates within a sector of about 120 degrees, meaning multiple units are required for full coverage. At the same time, target data can be fed into THAAD via a broader information-sharing network, including satellites.
Earlier, it was reported that the United States is ready to provide Ukraine with real security guarantees only after the end of hostilities. Currently, Washington links this issue to the condition that Ukrainian forces withdraw from the territories of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
It was also reported that Ukraine is preparing an updated document on security guarantees aimed at ensuring protection against renewed Russian aggression and providing a real path for post-war recovery.
