As Russia continues to increase the number of drones during massive attacks, Ukraine is actively searching for effective countermeasures against enemy UAVs. One such option was the transfer of American-made APKWS precision missiles, which had already been approved by the United States. However, Washington has decided to reroute key components of these missiles to the Persian Gulf, reports Baltimore Chronicle, citing NZZ.
The APKWS missiles could have been launched by Ukrainian forces directly from military Humvee vehicles, offering a mobile and efficient response to kamikaze drone threats, which Russia now uses with growing frequency. Nevertheless, the U.S. has suspended the delivery of these missiles, stating an increased domestic need for the systems.
The decision came after the delivery agreement had already been finalized. Instead of supplying Ukraine, the United States has chosen to prioritize its own strategic needs in the Persian Gulf.
Alternative methods for combating enemy drones remain available but come at a higher cost. These include the use of helicopters and combat aircraft. F-16 fighter jets, which Ukraine began deploying last year, are capable of shooting down drones with onboard cannons. However, this approach is significantly more expensive compared to using APKWS missile systems.
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