By KYIV. Nov 30 (Interfax-Ukraine) – Air defense is a top priority for the United States in helping Ukraine, and all possible capabilities are being considered to help the Ukrainian military withstand attacks by the occupiers, a senior U.S. Department of Defense official said during a briefing.
"I think it is important, you know, to note that just in the past couple months, there have been a number of offers of support for air defense. You know, we’ve heard great things about the IRIST system that Germany contributed. Spain, in addition to the Hawk I mentioned, has contributed the Aspide system. France has committed the Crotale system. And again, additional Hawk launchers on the way, "the press service of the U.S. Department of Defense quoted the senior official as saying.
In addition, the Pentagon spokesman said that the United States views the transfer of aircraft "as a longer term capability need, whereas air defense is an immediate priority."
