US redirects missile deliveries to Ukraine, Polish defense capabilities unaffected, officials say

The United States is temporarily halting missile deliveries for Patriot and NASAMS air defense systems to other countries, redirecting them to Ukraine, according to White House national security spokesman John Kirby.

A NASAMS air defense system.

EPA/TOMS KALNINS

The suspension, expected to last 16 months, aims to bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities against Russian attacks at a critical juncture.

Poland’s Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz said that this decision will not compromise the readiness of Polish military units.

He added that existing contracts for the Polish armed forces "will still be honored" by the United States, with only some deliveries being postponed.

Decyzja 🇺🇸 dotycząca dostaw amunicji dla 🇺🇦 nie wpłynie na gotowość naszych jednostek. Kontrakty na rzecz Sił Zbrojnych RP będą realizowane. Więcej amunicji na Ukrainie to większe bezpieczeństwo całego naszego regionu. Nasz rząd realizuje nowe kontrakty i modernizuje armię, by…

— Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz (@KosiniakKamysz) June 20, 2024

"More munitions in Ukraine mean greater security for our entire region," Kosiniak-Kamysz wrote on X.

"Our government is executing new contracts and modernizing the army to strengthen Poland's defense potential and our security," he added.

Kirby said on Thursday that the redirection of missile supplies is crucial for Ukraine to maintain its stockpile during a significant period in the war with Russia.

He added that the suspension will not affect deliveries to Taiwan and that US allies have generally reacted positively to the decision.

(jh/gs)

Source: PAP, IAR