Oleksandr Musiyenko told Polish Radio that it might take between 3 and 5 months to train Ukrainian troops in using the new missile battery, and to fully integrate it into Ukraine's air defences.
Musiyenko also added that while the Patriot air defence systems that are to be delivered to Ukraine are the most up to date version, more is needed for his country to be able to efficiently defend itself against Russian attacks.
"To defend our whole territory, we need six Patriot missile batteries," Musiyenko said, as quoted by Polish Radio.
Earlier this week, the US Department of Defense announced a new USD 1.85 billion security assistance package, which includes a Patriot air defense system and additional ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), in addition to 50,000 GRAD rockets and more than 200,000 rounds of various types of ammunition.
Washington will also provide Kyiv with "500 precision-guided 155mm artillery rounds; 10 120mm mortar systems and 10,000 120mm mortar rounds; 10 82mm mortar systems; 10 60mm mortar systems; 37 Cougar Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Vehicles; 120 High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWVs); and six armored utility trucks," the Pentagon said.
Other equipment includes "high-speed anti-radiation missiles (HARMs); precision aerial munitions; over 2,700 grenade launchers and small arms; Claymore anti-personnel munitions; demolition munitions and equipment; night vision devices and optics; tactical secure communications systems; and body armor and other field equipment," according to the statement.
The new security assistance package was announced as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was visiting the United States on Wednesday in his first known foreign trip since Russia invaded his country more than 300 days ago.
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Source: IAR