Spain Confirms Delivery of Additional HAWK Missile Defense System to Ukraine Amid Escalating Conflict.

During the Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting held at Ramstein Air Base in Germany on September 6, 2024, Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles reaffirmed Spain's strong commitment to supporting Ukraine, both militarily and through humanitarian aid. She announced a significant new package of military assistance that will be sent to Ukraine in the coming weeks. Among the key contributions is a HAWK air defense missile battery, complete with six missile launchers, intended to bolster Ukraine’s air defense capabilities in response to ongoing threats.
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Spanish Army Hawk air defense missile launcher unit at a military parade in Madrid.  (Picture source: Wikimedia)

In her address, Spanish Minister Robles underscored the critical role of the Contact Group in coordinating international aid efforts for Ukraine. She emphasized that Spain’s unwavering support is not only for Ukraine’s sovereignty but also for the broader security of Europe. Robles specifically responded to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s request for enhanced air defense systems, confirming that Spain would immediately dispatch a full HAWK battery, including the six missile launchers already positioned in Poland for rapid deployment.

Robles also elaborated on Spain’s ongoing defense support initiatives, highlighting the preparations for additional donations and shipments of military equipment. She further noted that the Spanish defense industry is actively engaged in numerous projects aligned with the bilateral Security Agreement between Spain and Ukraine to reinforce Ukraine’s military capabilities.

Since the onset of Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Spain has played a vital role in supplying military aid to Ukraine. Some of the most notable deliveries include 10 Leopard 2A4 tanks, 60 M113 armored personnel carriers, 20 URO VAMTAC armored vehicles, and a range of vehicles and artillery systems. Spain has also provided extensive surface-to-air missile systems, including an Aspide 2000 battery and Hawk SAM systems, alongside radars and anti-tank weapons. In addition to military hardware, Spain has delivered field hospitals, medical supplies, and provided essential training to Ukrainian soldiers.

This latest package of aid from Spain is part of a broader international effort to assist Ukraine in defending itself against Russian aggression. Spain remains steadfast in Ukraine’s fight for freedom and territorial integrity.

The Spanish Army operates the MIM-23 HAWK air defense system, specifically the upgraded Phase III version, which provides medium-range air defense capabilities. In service since the 1960s, the HAWK system has undergone several upgrades to remain effective in modern combat scenarios. The Phase III upgrade significantly enhances the system’s radar, missile technology, and overall operational efficiency, ensuring it continues to play a crucial role in Spain's air defense network.

The HAWK Phase III system can engage targets at a range of up to 45 kilometers (28 miles) and intercept threats flying at altitudes of up to 18 kilometers (59,000 feet). This makes the system effective against various aerial threats, including low-flying aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and some types of cruise missiles. Its combination of range and altitude coverage provides a strong defensive shield for military assets, infrastructure, and troop deployments.

One of the most notable advancements in the Phase III version is the introduction of sophisticated radar systems, including the AN/MPQ-61 and AN/MPQ-62 radars. These radars have enhanced the HAWK's ability to detect and track low-flying and fast-moving targets in complex environments. They allow the system to track multiple targets at once, making it resilient against simultaneous attacks or saturation strikes.

The missile technology in the Phase III version has also been significantly upgraded. The missiles are equipped with semi-active radar homing guidance systems, which allow for improved precision when engaging modern, highly maneuverable targets. The warhead is designed for high kill probability, with a fragmentation system that ensures effective destruction even in close engagements with fast-moving targets.

In addition to tracking and missile precision improvements, the HAWK Phase III has a faster reaction time. This means the system can quickly detect, track, and engage fast-moving threats like fighter jets and cruise missiles, significantly enhancing its defensive capabilities. Though the system is not as mobile as some newer air defense platforms, it is still highly deployable, with improvements allowing it to be transported and set up efficiently in various combat environments.

Despite being an older system, the HAWK Phase III remains essential to Spain's air defense strategy. Its ability to provide medium-range protection makes it valuable even as Spain continues to modernize its defense capabilities with newer systems. Spain’s decision to donate HAWK systems, including missile launchers and radars, to Ukraine demonstrates the ongoing relevance of the system. In Ukraine, these HAWK batteries are expected to provide critical defense against Russian aircraft and cruise missile strikes, playing a vital role in Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to defend against aerial attacks.