United to win: Spain to send Hawk air defense systems and artillery ammunition to Ukraine

Spain has confirmed that it will send six more launchers for Hawk air defense systems to strengthen Ukraine's protection from Russian strikes. 

Defense Minister Margarita Robles said six anti-aircraft guns would be integrated into an American battery, Rubryka reports, citing the statement of the Spanish defense ministry.

Robles also announced new supplies of 155 and 105 mm artillery ammunition, which Ukraine has requested as the country experienced shortages due to intensive combat. The warring country will also receive heavy machine guns to counter drone attacks, which Russian has intensified, targeting critical infrastructure.

To bolster Ukraine's winter campaign, Spain is also preparing to send power generators, diving compressors, and winter equipment for the military. Minister Robles also said field rations are already on their way to Ukraine.

In November, the country will hold training for Ukrainian operators and technical personnel of the Hawk air defense system in the Spanish city of Toledo and other cities. Previously, Spain conducted training for 2,000 Ukrainian soldiers. This number is set to increase to 4,000.

Rubryka reported that following the visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to the Spanish city of Granada and negotiations with Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, Spain pledged to send the launchers of the Hawk air defense system to Ukraine.

Ramstein-16 — results of Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting

On Wednesday, Ukraine's allies gathered at the NATO headquarters in Brussels to discuss additional military support for Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelenskyi attended the for the first time since the new format was founded.

Based on the initial results of the meeting, many countries pledged additional military support:

• The US is sending $200 million in aid, including ammunition for air defense and artillery, missiles for aviation, and anti-tank weapons. 
• Canada will send $25 million worth of warm military uniforms and support for the winter campaign. 
• Belgium will train F-16 pilots and mission planners, and two Belgian companies — Sabena Engineering and Patria Bec — will provide essential technical support to the F-16 fleet. 
• From 2025, Belgium will provide Ukraine with F-16 fighter jets, while Denmark pledges F-16 delivery in early 2024.
• Great Britain will provide a comprehensive €115 million aid package to finance demining and equipment maintenance. 
• Finland announced a new aid package worth €95 million for Ukraine's recovery.
• Norway will send $18.5 million for demining. 
• Spain will provide additional air defense systems and will provide €1.5 million for humanitarian demining.
• Germany will strengthen the Ukrainian systems with additional missiles and tanks.
• Bulgaria will collaborate with Ukraine in defense, cyber security, and strategic communications and provide material and technical assistance. 
• Lithuania is sending two NASAMS anti-aircraft missile systems, 155 mm artillery ammunition, and support Ukraine's winter campaign with power generators, army camping beds, and warm uniforms.

Rubryka reported that President Zelensky thanked the USA, Belgium, and all Ukraine Defense Contact Group participants for their steadfast support of Ukraine.