It is unclear how many rocket launchers will be sent.

The White House is finalizing preparations for sending American Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine, CNN writes with reference to US officials and a high-ranking representative of the Biden Administration.

The transfer still needs to be approved by Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin and approved by Joe Biden’s signature.

It is unclear how many missile launchers will be shipped, but a typical Patriot battery includes a radar that detects and tracks targets, computers, power equipment, a battle control station and up to eight launchers, each containing four ready-to-launch missiles.

It is expected that after the agreement of the plan by the Pentagon and the White House, the air defense system will be delivered as soon as possible.

The Ukrainian military plans to teach them how to use them at the US Army base in Germany.

Patriot – what is the difference between air defense systems and other air defense systems

Unlike small air defense systems, Patriot missile batteries require much larger calculations and require dozens of people to operate them properly.

This system is considered one of the most effective long-range means of protecting airspace from incoming ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as some aircraft.

Due to its long range and high altitude, this air defense system can potentially shoot down Russian missiles and aircraft far from their intended targets on the territory of Ukraine.

Patriot for Ukraine – what is known

Ukraine has repeatedly called on the West to transfer long-range Patriot missiles to the Armed Forces of Ukraine in order to minimize losses from regular massive Russian air attacks.

The first question about the transfer of air defense systems to Ukraine was raised by Poland, when Germany offered these systems to Warsaw. However, Berlin replied that sending Patriot to Kyiv is excluded – it is exclusively air defense of NATO countries.