The Ukrainian navy downed a Russian hypersonic Kinzhal missile utilizing the U.S.-made Patriot air protection system, the Pentagon‘s prime spokesman confirmed Tuesday.
“I can confirm that they did down a Russian missile by employing the Patriot missile defense system. As you know, that system is part of a broader range of air defense capabilities that the United States and the international community have provided to Ukraine,” mentioned Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder in a press briefing.
However, Ryder declined to say which nation equipped the missile battery that shot down the hypersonic missile.
Patriot air protection programs have been utilized by the U.S. towards Iranian ballistic missiles in Iraq and Saudi Arabia, however this marked the primary time the system shot down a hypersonic missile.
“The U.S., our allies, our partners, we’re going to continue to rush ground-based air defense capabilities and munitions to help Ukraine control its sovereign skies and to help Ukraine defend its citizens from Russian cruise missiles and Iranian drones,” Ryder added.
The Biden administration earlier Tuesday pledged $1.2 billion in long-term navy help to Ukraine, together with air protection programs and munitions.
Source: www.anews.com.tr
