Media: Taiwan transfers up to 15 Raytheon HAWK anti-aircraft missile systems to Ukraine

Ukraine is in desperate need of air defence systems as it is subjected to daily missile, bomb and drone attacks by the terrorist state of russia.

Forbes, citing former Pentagon official Tony Hu, reports that Taiwan has likely transferred 15 Raytheon-made HAWK anti-aircraft missile systems to Ukraine.

Here's What We Know

Forbes notes that Hu's comments confirm speculation of a US-brokered deal between Ukraine and Taiwan. Taiwan's MIM-23 Homing All-the-Way Killer missiles, their launchers and radars will complement the HAWKs previously transferred to Ukraine by the United States and Spain.

Thanks to Taiwan, the Ukrainian Armed Forces will be able to deploy up to 15 HAWK batteries, each equipped with at least six launchers with three missiles and associated radars. Although HAWK is inferior in capability to Patriot, the system is simple to operate, reliable, easy to upgrade and effective against drones, cruise missiles and aircraft. In addition, one of the missiles for the HAWK is compatible with the current NASAMS system.

Forbes estimates that HAWK systems could make up about a third of the current Ukrainian air defence arsenal. They have proven themselves in shooting down non-fast targets and low-flying objects.

The HAWKs have a range of up to 45-50 kilometres, a maximum altitude of up to 20 kilometres, and a missile speed of Mach 2.4. The missile is aimed at the target using a semi-active homing head.

Source: Forbes