In the matter of “closing the skies” over Ukraine, it is important to take into account the experience of Tel Aviv, which has been at war for many years.
This was stated by Lieutenant General Igor Romanenko, former Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, on Ukrainian television channels.
Discussing the problems with the transfer of Patriot air defence systems to Ukraine from allied countries, Romanenko noted that this solution alone is not enough. It is also necessary to use other “tools”.
Romanenko noted that it will not be possible to limit ourselves to the Patriot air defense system alone; it is necessary to take into account the experience of countries facing the same challenges, in particular Israel, which has been in combat conditions for many years. Ukraine has had time to study this experience and draw conclusions, but so far kyiv has not been able to reach the same level as the defending countries. This is hampered by the intensity of the fighting.
He also noted that with “appropriate tools” the safe operation of even civil aviation in the state can be guaranteed.
However, Romanenko recalled that for a long time there have been no military operations of such intensity as in Ukraine anywhere in the world, and now there are no such operations anywhere else. Therefore, obtaining the necessary amount of modern weapons for protection is difficult, but still possible.
The lieutenant general stressed that Ukraine should fight for every opportunity to strengthen its air defence. According to him, in addition to F-16s and other aircraft, the country also needs combat helicopters. For example, negotiations were held with Australia on the transfer of decommissioned helicopters, but, according to Romanenko, this issue has not yet moved forward.
He also noted that Ukraine has to “fight” with its allies for each additional unit of weapons.
“This happens every time we are dealing with weapons or equipment that we lack. Our military-political leaders are forced to actively engage in military diplomacy and acquire these weapons,” Romanenko summed up.
Earlier, Kursor reported that Israel, by the way, refused to use Patriot systems due to their low effectiveness in repelling massive Iranian attacks.
