Czech Republic to hand over two KUB air defense systems to Ukraine

The President of the Czech Republic Petr Pavel said this in a radio interview with Czech Radio, Ukrinform reports.

"Now two more KUB air defense systems with a rather large number of missiles are being delivered, which Ukraine can immediately use because the soldiers are trained in such equipment," Pavel said.

He also said that it would be appropriate to consider providing Ukraine with Czech L-159 fighter jets.

The Czech President recognized that Ukraine needs aviation to prepare for the decisive phase of the war.

Pavel noted that Western countries have been restrained in supplying modern fighter jets so far because preparations for their use take a relatively long time and because the aircraft contain secret systems. Allied countries also do not want these devices to fall into Russian hands.

"But I know that the negotiations are ongoing, and let's be surprised if Ukraine eventually receives a few F-16s, perhaps with some of the equipment dismantled," he said.

According to Pavel, the decisive factor for Ukraine is to have enough armored vehicles and ammunition. "Ukraine lacks this because a decisive part of the battle will have to be fought on the ground," said the former NATO general.

He reminded that Ukraine has already received about 100 tanks, the same number of armored vehicles and a lot of ammunition from the Czech Republic.

The Soviet Kub system, nicknamed the "three fingers of death" because of its appearance, is used to target airplanes and helicopters. It is to be replaced by SPYDER missile systems from Israel in the Czech army.