US to fast-track Ukraine anti-air missile deliveries
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Ukraine will have priority in the delivery of anti-air missiles, such as for the Patriot (above) and NASAMS systems, says the US. Deliveries to Taiwan and Israel will not be affected by the decision.
PHOTO: AFP
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WASHINGTON - The United States will prioritise deliveries of anti-air missiles to Kyiv, sending the desperately needed munitions to Ukraine ahead of other countries that have placed orders, the White House said on June 20.
“We’re going to reprioritise the deliveries of these exports so that those missiles rolling off the production line will now be provided to Ukraine,” particularly Patriot and NASAMS missiles, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told journalists.
“Deliveries of these missiles to other countries that are currently in the queue will have to be delayed,” he said.
Mr Kirby said that deliveries to Taiwan – which is preparing for a possible invasion by China – and Israel, which faced a large-scale missile and drone attack by Iran earlier in 2024 and is fighting a war against Hamas – will not be affected by the decision.
The US has been a key military backer of Ukraine, committing more than US$51 billion (S$68 billion) in weapons, ammunition and other security assistance since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. AFP
