Spain to Provide New Hawk Surface-to-Air Missile System to Ukraine.

Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles held a videoconference on July 24, 2024, with Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. The discussion, conducted from the Torrejón de Ardoz Air Base, focused on ongoing military support and future aid to Ukraine.
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Hawk ground-to-air defense missile system.
(Picture source: Open Source)

During the meeting, Minister Umerov provided a detailed update on the current situation in Ukraine and outlined the most urgent needs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. In response, Minister Robles detailed Spain's upcoming military equipment shipments, highlighting the significant progress made in training Ukrainian military personnel, with 5,000 soldiers already trained.

Minister Robles' announcement regarding the dispatch of critical military equipment was a key highlight of the conversation. She confirmed that by September, Ukraine would receive a fully operational Hawk anti-aircraft battery, thereby enhancing the air defense capabilities of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

Minister Robles also emphasized Spain's humanitarian commitment, detailing efforts to support orphans and family members of Ukrainian military personnel. This support includes organizing transportation from Poland to Spain, allowing them to spend a few days in a safe and welcoming environment.

The Hawk is a low to medium-altitude surface-to-air missile designed to intercept aerial targets at various distances and heights. Used by many countries including France, Greece, Iran, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, the Netherlands, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, South Korea, Sweden, Taiwan, Turkey, Ukraine, and the United Arab Emirates, this missile enjoys broad international adoption.

The Hawk is powered by a dual-thrust solid fuel booster sustainer rocket motor, giving it high speed and reaching Mach 2.7. The missile comes in two main variants: the MIM-23A, with a launch weight of 584 kg and a 54 kg high-explosive fragmentation warhead, and the MIM-23B, heavier at 627.3 kg with a 75 kg high-explosive fragmentation warhead.

The Hawk's guidance system relies on semi-active radar homing with proportional navigation, ensuring high accuracy in target interception. The missile's range also varies by model, from 2,000 to 32,000 meters for the MIM-23A and 1,500 to 40,000 meters for the MIM-23B.

In terms of dimensions, the missile measures 5.08 meters in length, with a diameter of 0.37 meters and a wingspan of 1.19 meters, allowing it to maintain optimal stability and maneuverability in flight. Originally designed by the United States, the Hawk remains an essential component of air defense systems in many countries, effectively protecting against a variety of aerial threats.

Rustem Umerov expressed sincere gratitude for Spain's unwavering and substantial support. He highlighted Spain's consistent provision of fully operational equipment, which plays an active role in Ukraine's defense against Russian aggression. This continuous support from Spain remains a cornerstone in bolstering Ukraine's defense capabilities during these challenging times.