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Spain is stepping up its support for Ukraine by sending an entire battery of Hawk missiles, which includes six launchers. Defense Minister Margarita Robles revealed this on Friday during the Contact Group meeting for Ukraine, held in Ramstein, Germany.
Robles confirmed the immediate dispatch of this battery, with the six missile launchers, previously stationed in Poland, now set to assist Ukraine. According to the Ministry of Defense, this latest shipment brings the total number of Hawk launchers sent by Spain to twelve, aimed at bolstering defenses against Russian missile strikes.The Ministry of Defense, typically tight-lipped about supplies to Ukraine, made an exception by disclosing it would be a “full battery.” This means all essential equipment for operation is included.
Expressing his appreciation, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov thanked Spain, noting that the Hawk systems will greatly enhance Ukraine’s air defense against Russian missile and drone assaults. Umerov underlined the criticality of Spain’s support as Ukraine continues to contend with persistent aerial threats.
During the meeting, Robles discussed “the preparations for new donations and supplies of materials from the armed forces, along with the numerous projects the Spanish defense industry is undertaking due to Spain’s bilateral security agreement with Ukraine.” The Spanish MoD has not yet provided specific details.
Remarkably, President Volodymyr Zelensky also attended the meeting. He kicked things off by expressing gratitude for the continued military support, including materials, training, and humanitarian aid. Zelensky emphasized the gravity of the ongoing crisis in Ukraine and underscored the pressing need for ongoing assistance and advanced weapons systems to fend off Russian aggression. Among the most urgent necessities, he highlighted the need for more air defense systems.
Over time, donations to Ukraine have gradually decreased the number of available launchers. In 2022, Spain contributed six launchers in two installments: the first batch included four, followed by an additional two. In these instances, the Ministry of Defense referred to them as “anti-aircraft systems,” avoiding the term battery, which it has recently started using.
In October 2023, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez committed to providing six more Hawk launchers to Volodymyr Zelensky during the European Union summit in Granada. These launchers are now in Poland, awaiting the other components necessary to complete the battery before their final handover to Ukrainian forces.
To extend the operational life of the Hawk missile system to 2030, the Army has undertaken significant upgrades. This overhaul includes digitizing the electronic components of the tracking radars and launchers and transitioning them from analog to modern digital technology to enhance reliability and performance.
The MIM-23 Hawk system, which dates back to the Cold War, has become crucial once again for Ukraine in its fight against Russian missile and drone attacks. Even though some might see it as outdated, the Hawk has shown itself to be quite effective, especially against older Russian aircraft and missiles.
On the battlefield, the Hawk system has demonstrated impressive versatility, intercepting a variety of targets including Shahed drones and Kh-59 cruise missiles. Operators have praised its reliability, particularly in intense engagements, such as a grueling six-hour battle where the system successfully downed six drones and multiple missiles. Despite not being specifically designed for drones, its adaptability has been crucial for Ukraine’s air defense, showcasing the importance of crew coordination and flexibility.
Beyond its effectiveness against drones, the Hawk has also proven its mettle against advanced threats like cruise missiles. Ukrainian personnel have expertly destroyed multiple high-speed targets, emphasizing the system’s tactical value even in modern warfare. Its performance in Ukraine highlights the enduring relevance of older, yet modernized, systems in today’s conflicts.
