KYIV, Ukraine — As Russia fires cruise missiles and Iranian-made drones at Ukrainian cities, a secret arsenal of Western weapons is helping to keep Kyiv’s air defenses humming and its soldiers in the field..
These weapons, many of them previously unseen on the battlefield, are a testament to the ingenuity of Ukraine’s allies, who have been racing to supply the country with the tools it needs to defend itself without provoking a wider war with Russia..
Some of these weapons are so sensitive that they are not even publicly acknowledged by the countries that provide them. But interviews with Ukrainian officials and military analysts, as well as an examination of battlefield evidence, offer a glimpse into the secretive world of Ukraine’s Western-supplied stealth arsenal..
One of the most important weapons in this arsenal is the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System, or NASAMS, a medium-range air defense system developed by the United States and Norway. NASAMS has been credited with shooting down dozens of Russian aircraft and missiles, including the cruise missiles that have been terrorizing Ukrainian cities in recent weeks..
Another key weapon is the Patriot missile system, a long-range air defense system that the United States has promised to provide to Ukraine. The Patriot is capable of intercepting ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and aircraft, and it will give Ukraine a much-needed boost in its ability to defend itself against Russian airstrikes..
In addition to these air defense systems, Ukraine has also received a range of other Western weapons, including anti-tank missiles, artillery shells and drones. These weapons have been essential in helping Ukraine to hold off the Russian invasion, and they will continue to play a vital role in the coming months..
The provision of these weapons to Ukraine is a major undertaking, and it requires a great deal of coordination between the United States and its allies. The weapons are often shipped through Poland and other neighboring countries, and they must be carefully concealed from Russian intelligence..
The secrecy surrounding these weapons is essential to maintaining the element of surprise, and it has helped to keep Russia off balance. As the war in Ukraine continues, the West will continue to provide Kyiv with the weapons it needs to defend itself, and it will continue to do so in a way that minimizes the risk of a wider conflict with Russia..
