The Pentagon said Tuesday it will expedite the delivery of Abrams tanks and Patriot missile defense systems to Ukraine. The department will send a refurbished older model of the tanks, which means it can get them to Ukraine by fall.
“This is about getting this important combat capability into the hands of the Ukrainians sooner rather than later,” Press Secretary Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder said, according to The Hill.
Ryder didn’t give a specific timing on when the Patriot will arrive in Ukraine. About 65 Ukrainian troops have been training on the Patriot at Fort Sill, Oklahoma and will be completing their training ahead of schedule, CNN reported.
“Our assessment is that the Ukrainian soldiers are impressive and absolutely a quick study due to their extensive air defense knowledge and experience in a combat zone,” said Brig. Gen. Shane Morgan, acting Fort Sill and Fires Center of Excellence commanding general.
Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Tim Andrews
