Wallace bolsters Ukraine’s air defences as UK to supply 1,000 missiles

Ben Wallace has announced the UK will be bolstering Ukraine’s air defences even further, as it will deliver around 1,000 more surface-to-air missiles to Ukraine. The Defence Secretary said the missiles will help Ukraine “counter the threat from illegal targeting of critical national infrastructure”. Mr Wallace made the announcement while visiting training sites alongside the Secretary General of NATO, Jens Stoltenberg.The missiles will be delivered to Ukraine shortly, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said.It comes in response to Ukrainian requests for more air defence capabilities, with the MoD saying the missiles will play a “vital role in the provision of air defence for Ukraine and the protection of its critical infrastructure which is being continually targeted by Russia”.The missiles can be used in conjunction with existing Armed Forces of Ukraine capabilities.The equipment provided consists of launchers and missiles and is capable of shooting down air targets, including Russian drones and cruise missiles. Ben Wallace has announced the UK will be bolstering Ukraine’s air defences even further (Image: Getty)Mr Wallace said: “This commitment of hundreds more surface-to-air missiles continues our defensive support for Ukraine against Russian aggression – and will help Ukraine counter the threat from illegal targeting of critical national infrastructure.”The Defence Secretary visited two training sites where Ukrainian soldiers are trained by UK forces, alongside eight partner nations.So far, the UK has trained more than 7,400 recruits from the Ukrainian Armed forces, and more than 60 Ukrainian Junior leaders.READ MORE: UK to send fighter jets and Chinooks to Russia’s doorstep Mr Wallace made the announcement while visiting training sites (Image: Getty)Currently, 1,900 Ukrainian recruits are in the UK taking part in the training programme.On completing their training, the MoD provides the recruits with items including combat clothing, body armour and ear defence, waterproofs and sleeping bags.They are also issued with a fully stocked individual first aid kit after learning how to use tourniquets, field dressings and chest seals during training.DON’T MISS: Fears UK to cave to EU in Brexit talks as key red line in doubt [ANALYSIS] ‘Hundreds’ of MPs download I’m a Celeb app to make Hancock do trials [REVEAL] Gavin Williamson could be stripped of knighthood [INSIGHT] The UK supplied weapons will help Ukraine defend against Putin’s forces (Image: Getty)Yesterday, the Prime Minister also announced that recruits will also be provided with extreme cold weather kits.The UK is providing Ukraine with 25,000 sets of extreme cold weather clothing, 20,000 sleeping bags and 150 insulated tents.Temperatures in Ukraine can sink to minus 20C across the winter.Brigadier Justin Stenhouse, Commander of the UK’s basic training for Ukrainian recruits said: “We have equipped more than 9,000 Ukrainian recruits to ensure they have the necessary personal protective equipment, including helmet, body armour and webbing, to aid them in fighting against Russian aggression. The Prime Minister also announced that recruits will also be provided with extreme cold weather kits (Image: Getty)”The effort to support this from across the entire logistic community has been hugely impressive and no small undertaking.”The Ukrainian recruits, many of whom have little to no military experience, have shown exemplary courage, resilience, and a desire to learn which is deeply humbling to observe.”Our instructors have done an excellent job in training these recruits to live and fight using their new equipment and transforming them from civilians to soldiers in just five weeks.”