The Pentagon has canceled the transfer to Ukraine of important surface-to-air missile warheads that Ukrainian defenders have been actively using against Russian drones. According to The Wall Street Journal, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has decided to redirect these munitions to American forces in the Middle East.
These are precision-guided bombs for modified laser-guided missiles used on F-15E fighter jets. Ukrainian forces had previously received them under the Joe Biden administration and used them to destroy kamikaze drones that Russia regularly launches over Ukrainian cities.
Hegseth's decision is explained by the strategic need to strengthen American positions in the Persian Gulf region. The Pentagon does not rule out an aggravation of the situation around Iran or a new phase of the conflict with pro-Iranian groups in Yemen, primarily the Houthis. In this context, the availability of effective subversives for air defense systems is considered critically important.
In addition, the new Pentagon chief made it clear that the US plans to gradually transfer the initiative in the issue of military assistance to Ukraine to its European allies. According to him, the strategic focus of American defense policy is shifting towards the western Pacific Ocean - with an eye on deterring China.
Thus, Ukraine may temporarily lose access to key means of combating Russian drones that have proven their effectiveness on the battlefield. What exactly this move will mean for Ukrainian air defense is not yet known.
