Poland, Spain and Belgium began to transfer 20 mm caliber ammunition to F-16 fighter guns, as reported on 1 October. The missiles are expected to fight Russian jet-powered drones. The scale of the Polish supply and its cost have not been disclosed, so the government should show that the aid does not deplete Poland's security.
Three countries have launched deliveries
Poland was located next to Spain and Belgium in a group of countries that began transferring 20 mm caliber ammunition to Ukraine. Ukrainian abroad Minister Andry Sybiha reportedThat missiles are needed to fight Russian jet-powered drones. According to him, the problem of this caliber was solved for a crucial period, and deliveries are to scope very quickly.
The number of missiles transmitted by Poland and the value of the Polish contribution were not given. It's an crucial reservation. The support of a state defending itself against Russian aggression is in the Polish interest, due to the fact that the usage of Russian possible distant from our borders strengthens the safety of the Republic. However, the aid must stay chargeable, transparent and subject to the rule that the capabilities of the Polish Army cannot be weakened.
Ammunition 20 mm against Russian drones
The F-16s can fight unmanned vehicles with an on-board cannon with 20 mm ammunition. Sybiha pointed out that specified a solution is effective against Russian jet drones, while the continued usage of costly air defence systems against all mark overburdens resources. From a military point of view, the stakes are simple: the cheaper means of interception allows you to keep more costly rockets for purposes that cannot be stopped otherwise.
Delivery responds to previously indicated arms shortages for Ukrainian F-16. However, it does not solve all air defence problems. The aircraft, ammunition, trained crew, reconnaissance and safe airport form 1 system. The deficiency of 1 component limits the value of the others.
Needs greater than 1 delivery
Sybiha besides stated that Kiev is looking for private ammunition producers and hopes for a future package of respective million pieces. However, it did not specify the deadline, supplier or state to finance specified a purchase. He besides announced procedures for orders for interception drones with jet engines produced by companies in Ukraine.
This shows that the current operation of 3 countries is simply a solution to an urgent need, not an end to the problem. The drone war forces mass production, fast and cheaper than classical anti-aircraft rockets. Europe has been limiting its industrial capacity for years. Now he pays for neglecting the pace of deliveries, the price and dependence on stocks previously accumulated.
Polish interest requires control over aid
Warsaw had previously prepared Patriot rocket and ammunition package for F-16. The current start of deliveries shows that the declarations have gone to the execution stage. The government is obliged to present to the public at least the general principles of this operation: whether supplies will be re-created, who will bear the cost and how the transportation affects the readiness of the Polish armed forces. The secret to operational details is understandable. deficiency of political accountability no longer.
Poland should support the repelling of Russian aggression, but it cannot lead a gift policy without an account. all bullet you hand over to your partner must mean a concrete gain for our safety or be rapidly replenished. Solidarity without realism becomes a gesture. National realism requires at the same time a hard defence against Russia and a hard protection of its own capabilities.
Source: WP News
