GIMENEZ URGES PRESIDENT BIDEN TO BOLSTER UKRAINE’S AIR DEFENSE SYSTEMS

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Carlos A. Gimenez (FL-26) urged President Biden and his Administration to ramp up support of Ukraine’s air defense. In the letter sent to the White House, Gimenez underscored the importance of anti-aircraft warfare equipment to give Ukraine a fighting chance against Russia for air superiority, and ultimately, quell Russia’s invasion. 

For the letter sent, click here. The full text of the letter is below:

 

Dear President Biden:

 I write to urge the approval for the transfer of anti-aircraft warfare equipment to Ukraine as Ukrainian forces continue to battle the Russians over air superiority. I also urge your Administration to develop a plan to have Poland’s MiG-29 fighter jets ready to deploy to Ukraine for use by Ukrainian forces as needed.

Bolstering Ukraine’s anti-aircraft warfare capacity is the most important strategic element in assisting Ukraine as they grapple with Russia’s invasion. By providing the Ukrainians with medium- and long-rage Surface-To-Air Missiles (SAM), such as the S-300 missile systems currently operated by NATO allies, namely Bulgaria, Greece, and Slovakia, and other similar types of anti-aircraft missile systems, the Ukrainian forces would be able to further complement their already-historic and valiant air resistance. Other equipment being requested by the Ukrainian forces include self-propelled anti-aircraft guns (SPAAG), anti-aircraft guns such as AA and AAA, and man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS), such as the FIM-92 Stringer.

All of these robust air defense assets pose a significant problem for Russia and further disrupts their ability to maintain air superiority, and ultimately, air dominance over Ukrainian airspace. By forcing Russia to redirect more of their resources – in time, money, and artillery – to air forces, we would be allowing the Ukrainians a greater opportunity to push back the land invasions being incurred from all sides of the country by Russian forces. 

The Ukrainian government – spearheaded by the courageous efforts of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and all those within his command structure  has urged the United States and our NATO partners to give the MiG-29 fighter jets currently out-of-operation by Poland to Ukraine. This move will allow Ukraine to replenish its own fleet as needed as the military engagement with Russia continues.

 From the onset of the Cold War, the Soviets – and today the Russians – have equipped their proxies around the world with state-of-the-art air defense artillery against American forces. In Vietnam, for example, the United States lost nearly 10,000 aircraft at the hands of AAAs, SAMs, and MiGs all provided by the Soviets. 

 In moments of intense conflict, our adversaries always ensure their partners are battle-ready; today, the United States must have a deeper commitment to our allies and ensure they are capable and ready to defend themselves from these evil forces. I urge you to ramp up the delivery of anti-aircraft warfare equipment to Ukraine to help the Ukrainians reclaim air superiority and cripple Russia’s ability to quickly escalate this conflict. The Ukrainian people have shown tremendous resiliency throughout this barbaric invasion, and whatever risks may present themselves by having American and NATO equipment in Ukraine is worth Ukraine’s fighting chance.

 I look forward to hearing your response and welcome any opportunity to discuss this important matter further.