Media: US may transfer HAWK air defense systems to Ukraine
The United States is considering sending old HAWK air defense equipment to Ukraine to help defend against Russian drone and cruise missile attacks. Two U.S. officials told Reuters.
The HAWK interceptor missiles will be upgrades to the smaller, shorter-range Stinger missile systems that the United States has already sent to deter a Russian invasion.
The Biden administration will use presidential seizing power to transfer equipment to HAWK, which is based on Vietnam-era technology but has been upgraded several times. Withdrawal powers allow the United States to quickly transfer defense goods and services from stockpiles without congressional approval in response to an emergency.
Reuters was unable to find out how many HAWK systems and missiles the United States could transfer. The White House declined to comment.
The HAWK system is a precursor to Raytheon Technologies' PATRIOT missile defense system, which is no longer being considered for transfer to Ukraine, U.S. officials said.
