Category: Latest news

US State Department Has Funded 800 Mobile Air Defense Units for Ukraine in 2024

Nov 04, 2024 13:08

1 min read

Authors: Ivan Khomenko
AUTHOR

Ukrainian soldiers from a mobile air defense unit engage Russian drones using a ZU-23-2 twin 23-mm anti-aircraft gun at an undisclosed location in Ukraine, April 16, 2024. (Source: Getty Images)

The United States Department of State has funded 800 mobile air defense units for Ukraine’s Defense Forces in 2024, according to a statement by US Ambassador to Ukraine, Bridget Brink, on her social media account.

.@ng_ukraine & @DPSU_ua Mobile Fire Teams are saving lives with their successful work protecting people and critical infrastructure being attacked by Russia. Proud that @StateINL has funded 800 of these teams which have shot down over 200 drones since Jan 1, 2024. pic.twitter.com/d4HlLoEJ1V
— Ambassador Bridget A. Brink (@USAmbKyiv) November 3, 2024

These mobile units, composed of the National Guard of Ukraine and the State Border Guard Service, have played a critical role in safeguarding civilian lives and vital infrastructure from Russian aerial threats. Ambassador Brink noted that, since the beginning of the year, these units have successfully intercepted and downed over 200 Russian drones.

According to Brink, “These mobile fire units are saving lives through their effective defense operations.” The US Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs managed the funding for the units, equipping Ukraine’s defense with high mobility and firepower.

Category: War in Ukraine

How Western Partners Have Helped Strengthen Ukrainian Air Defense

Aug 30, 2024 15:48

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy highlighted the scale of the ongoing attacks, reporting that Ukraine faced over 2,000 drone strikes from Shahed-type drones within the month alone. The mobile air defense groups, using vehicles equipped with machine guns, automatic cannons, and man-portable air-defense systems (MANPADS), have proven effective in responding to such threats by strategically positioning themselves along anticipated drone flight paths.