Since Emmanuel Macron’s announcement to send “in a few weeks” anti-aircraft systems to Ukraine, one question remains: what weapons will we send? We put the question to the Ministry of the Armed Forces and the answer is clear.
An incomprehensible discretion, especially since the United States, Germany and now Spain have precisely indicated the type of team sent: the American NASAMS, the German Iris-T and the Madrid Hawks.
Rattlesnakes for air defense
Despite everything, a list of materials is already circulating in the networks of weapons experts. These specialists deduce what France has, what it can send to Ukraine and what suits the situation.
In terms of anti-aircraft defense, the Crotale, produced by Thales and armed by MBDA, is in the first position ahead of the less powerful Mistrals or the very long-range Mambas. On the one hand, because France has already supplied Mistrals, short-range systems (3,000 meters above sea level), but also because the Crotales are specially adapted to the current situation with shipments of Russian missiles and kamikaze drones such as those supplied by Iran. . to Moscow.
Taken from the stocks of the armies?
As for the Mambas armed with Aster30 missiles, France does not have enough of them and keeps them to protect strategic sites. A Mamba battery has also been deployed in Romania for the needs of the “Aigle” mission, carried out within the framework of NATO.
The Crotale is a mid-range team in service since the early 70’s and constantly modernized. Shoot at 9000 meters altitude and 15 kilometers range. The NG (New Generation) version is intended for the fight against missiles, aircraft operating at low altitude and low speed, and drones. It can be installed on all types of vehicles, armored vehicles, trucks and even ships.
About the number, the government does not say anything either, but the figures of 3 or 4 systems are advanced. France has 12 units spread over the Istres, Avord, Barrois, Tursan and Mont de Marsan air bases. Will those going to Ukraine be taken from these stocks or will they be bought directly by Ukraine with the 100 million euro fund that France has created to allow Kyiv to buy equipment from French manufacturers? The first option seems the correct one according to the precision of Emmanuel Macron who mentioned a delivery in the coming weeks.
A sensitive issue after the 18 Caesars removed from French stocks and whose replacement will take many months at least given Nexter’s order book and production capacity.
Source: BFM TV
