Spain Increases support to Ukraine with 2 MIM-23 Hawk air defense systems.

According to a tweet from Jeff2146 on November 9, 2023, Spain has intensified its military aid to Ukraine. Two medium-range MIM-23 Hawk air defense batteries have been delivered to Ukraine, replacing the previous commitment of six MIM-23 launchers.
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MIM-23 Hawk air defense systems (Picture source: US DoD)

The MIM-23 Hawk system, an acronym for Homing All the Way Killer, is a medium-range surface-to-air missile system designed and manufactured in the United States. First deployed in the American military in 1959, the Hawk was designed to destroy aircraft and cruise missiles flying at low to medium altitudes. Over the decades, it has undergone several upgrades, improving its range, accuracy, and ability to intercept various aerial threats.

Technically, the HAWK is distinguished by its ability to operate day and night in various weather conditions. It uses a high-frequency radar for tracking and engaging targets, with an effective operational range of about 25 to 35 kilometers and an engagement altitude of up to 15 kilometers. Each Hawk battery typically consists of several launchers, a fire control radar, and a command post.

These air defense systems enhance Ukraine's ability to protect its cities and strategic infrastructure against Russian aerial attacks and cruise missiles. The Hawk, with its range and precision, will enable Ukraine to create a more robust defense bubble, thus hindering the operational freedom of Russian aviation. However, this system is quite old and obsolete; it does not necessarily represent a significant leap forward for Ukrainian air defense, but the delivery of two such systems is still welcome.

The delivery of these systems also underscores NATO's and its member countries' ongoing commitment to support Ukraine. Many feared that aid would diminish or disappear with the outbreak of conflict in Israel and the weariness of several European countries to support Ukraine, such as Poland. Apparently, aid continues to be dispatched, although it is worth noting that the two systems replace a previous promise of six systems.

The delivery of two Hawk systems is not a "game-changer" for Ukraine, but this news sheds light on two important points. The first is that international aid for Ukraine continues to be dispatched, and Ukraine can still count on several European countries like Spain for support. The second is that the promise of six Hawks has been reduced to two, and even though Ukraine can still count on international aid, it seems to be diminishing, at least for now, as it is not fixed in time. Elections can change a country's policy towards support for Ukraine, for example, the recent elections in Poland could reignite the debate on aid to the Ukrainian armed forces, or the election of Trump in the United States could greatly modify US aid. The political landscape is thus very changeable but is nonetheless crucial in the aid provided to Ukraine, so it is always important to keep an eye on it.