The United States is reportedly continuing discussions on allowing Ukraine to produce Patriot interceptor missiles, despite President Donald Trump expressing reservations about transferring such advanced defense technology.

According to Reuters, U.S. officials, defense manufacturers, and Ukrainian representatives are exploring several options, including producing selected Patriot missile components for final assembly in Germany, integrating Ukraine into existing European production programs, or manufacturing a lower-cost PAC-3 interceptor variant.

Trump has emphasized the need to protect sensitive U.S. defense technology, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy continues to call for more air defense systems as Russia intensifies missile and drone attacks.

U.S. Continues Patriot Missile Talks With Ukraine Despite Trump's Concerns | Patriot Missile Deal

Russia unleashed a massive air assault across Ukraine on Thursday, firing over 70 missiles and 280 drones, exposing severe gaps in Kyiv's air defence and shelter networks. As Ukrainian forces retaliated with long-range drone hits inside Russia, President Volodymyr Zelensky's push to manufacture U.S. Patriot interceptors domestically has hit a major wall after President Donald Trump expressed doubts. We break down Ukraine's shelter crisis, the air defence crisis, and what Trump's position means for Kyiv's survival.

Trump Dashes Zelensky's Patriot Dream as Putin Exploits Ukraine's Air Defence Gap

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has claimed that Russia used a North Korean ballistic missile during its latest wave of attacks on Ukraine.

According to Ukrainian officials, Russia launched 74 missiles and 284 drones in an overnight barrage that struck multiple locations, including central Ukraine, where several civilians, including children, were killed.

Zelenskyy called for increased military support from Western allies, urging the United States and Europe to strengthen Ukraine's air defenses. Meanwhile, Poland has accused Russia of violating its airspace after a missile explosion near the Ukrainian border. Polish authorities say evidence points to a Russian KH-101 cruise missile, while NATO has pledged to take all necessary measures to defend alliance territory.

Zelenskyy: Russia Used North Korean Ballistic Missile | Poland Blames Russian KH-101 Strike

Russia has launched another large-scale drone and missile assault across Ukraine, killing at least 13 people and injuring more than 50 as fighting intensifies across the country. The attacks targeted several regions, including Odesa, Sumy, Zaporizhzhia, Mykolaiv, Kyiv, and Kharkiv, damaging civilian infrastructure, industrial facilities, and medical buildings. According to the Ukrainian Air Force, Russia launched 122 attack drones and two ballistic missiles, with Ukrainian air defenses intercepting 101 drones. Explosions were reported across Kyiv after ballistic missile alerts, while officials confirmed damage to warehouses and other non-residential buildings. President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine expects to begin domestic production of missiles for the U.S.-made Patriot air defense system by the end of the year, calling the project a historic step toward strengthening the country's defense capabilities.

Russia-Ukraine war | Deadly Russian strikes kill 13 as EU unveils €11.4 billion military package

Russia has launched another large-scale drone and missile assault across Ukraine, killing at least 13 people and injuring more than 50 as fighting continues to intensify. The attacks targeted several regions, including Kyiv, Sumy, Odesa, Zaporizhzhia, and Mykolaiv, damaging civilian infrastructure, industrial facilities, and medical buildings.
According to the Ukrainian Air Force, Russia launched 122 attack drones and two ballistic missiles, with Ukrainian air defenses intercepting 101 drones. Explosions were reported across Kyiv following missile alerts, while officials confirmed damage to warehouses and non-residential buildings.


Russia pounds Ukraine with 122 drones and missiles | 13 dead, kyiv under heavy attack

The US will provide Ukraine with additional Patriot missiles for its air defense systems as part of a massive $6bn additional aid package, the defense secretary has announced. Watch in for more details!

Russia attacks Ukraine's railway lines to disrupt military supplies, Zelensky calls for more aid

US announces new Patriot missiles to Ukraine as part of $6 bn aid

US to give new Patriot missiles to Ukraine as part of $6 bn aid

Watch the top headlines of the hour: - India: Phase 2 voting ends - US troops to leave Chad - Pro-Palestine protests in Paris University - Spain to send Patriot missile to Kyiv - Gaza: Baby saved from dead mother's womb dies - France, Germany to develop new battle tank

Spain to send Patriot missile to Kyiv | India: Phase 2 voting ends

As Ukraine is growing ever more desperate to seek strong air defences in its bid to fend off Russian attacks, European nations remain hesitant to oblige Kyiv. In the latest European Union foreign ministers met in Luxembourg for talks on aid for Ukraine where they fail to signal their willingness to supply the Patriot air defence systems to Kyiv.

Russia-Ukraine war: No clear indication of delivery of Patriot missiles for Ukraine

Germany on Tuesday (Oct 10) announced an additional military aid of 1 billion euro (USD 1.1 billion) for Ukraine as it takes steps to hasten aid and weapons delivery ahead of winter.

The "winter package" comprises of an extra Patriot air defence system as it was agreed between German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky last week.

In addition to this, Berlin will also send two more IRIS-T missile systems this month. The missile system is capable of short- and medium-range protection, according to a statement from the defence ministry.

The IRIS-T system is highly sought after by Ukraine for shooting down Russian drones and missiles.

In the coming weeks, Ukraine will also receive 10 more Leopard tanks and additional Gepard anti-aircraft guns in addition to extra ammunition and vehicles.

"With this new 'winter package,' we are further enhancing the readiness of the Ukrainian armed forces in the coming months," Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said in the&nbsp;statement.

Zelensky said he was grateful to Germany for the latest aid package.

"As winter approaches, this is exactly the support we need and the one we discussed with (Chancellor Olaf Scholz) in Granada," he said in a social media post.

The German ministry, however, did not say when exactly would the Patriot system be delivered.

But training for Ukrainian soldiers on how to use the advanced surface-to-air missile system "will commence in the coming weeks".

The ministry added that the Patriot system will come from the Bundeswehr's own stocks.

Aside from the control unit and radar equipment, the system will come with eight launchers and an estimated 60 guided missiles.

The new air defence package "has a value of around one billion euros," Pistorius said.

The statement added that the German government will spend about 20 million euros for Ukraine's spcial forces "including vehicles, weapons and personal equipment."

Germany ramped up its support for Ukraine, after some initial hesitation following Russian invasion in February 2022.

The country is now the second-biggest supplier of military assistance to Kyiv after the United States.

The newest arms package was unveiled on the eve of another round of talks in Brussels where Kyiv's international allies will discuss the coordination of military aid for Ukraine.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Germany on Tuesday (Oct 10) announced an additional military aid of 1 billion euro (USD 1.1 billion) for Ukraine as it takes steps to hasten aid and weapons delivery ahead of winter.

Germany on Tuesday (Oct 10) announced an additional military aid of 1 billion euro (USD 1.1 billion) for Ukraine as it takes steps to hasten aid and weapons delivery ahead of winter. The "winter package" comprises of an extra Patriot air defence system as it was agreed between German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky last week. In addition to this, Berlin will also send two more IRIS-T missile systems this month. The missile system is capable of short- and medium-range protection, according to a statement from the defence ministry. The IRIS-T system is highly sought after by Ukraine for shooting down Russian drones and missiles. In the coming weeks, Ukraine will also receive 10 more Leopard tanks and additional Gepard anti-aircraft guns in addition to extra ammunition and vehicles. "With this new 'winter package,' we are further enhancing the readiness of the Ukrainian armed forces in the coming months," Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said in the statement. Zelensky said he was grateful to Germany for the latest aid package. "As winter approaches, this is exactly the support we need and the one we discussed with (Chancellor Olaf Scholz) in Granada," he said in a social media post. The German ministry, however, did not say when exactly would the Patriot system be delivered. But training for Ukrainian soldiers on how to use the advanced surface-to-air missile system "will commence in the coming weeks". The ministry added that the Patriot system will come from the Bundeswehr's own stocks. Aside from the control unit and radar equipment, the system will come with eight launchers and an estimated 60 guided missiles. The new air defence package "has a value of around one billion euros," Pistorius said. The statement added that the German government will spend about 20 million euros for Ukraine's spcial forces "including vehicles, weapons and personal equipment." Germany ramped up its support for Ukraine, after some initial hesitation following Russian invasion in February 2022. The country is now the second-biggest supplier of military assistance to Kyiv after the United States. The newest arms package was unveiled on the eve of another round of talks in Brussels where Kyiv's international allies will discuss the coordination of military aid for Ukraine. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

As winter approaches, Germany steps up weapons delivery to Ukraine

Patriot missiles have arrived in the nation, giving Kyiv a long-needed new defence against Russian bombings that have wreaked havoc on towns and civilian infrastructure. In October, US agreed to provide the surface-to-air missiles, which are capable of hitting planes, cruise missiles, and shorter-range ballistic missiles like those that Russia has employed to shell Ukrainian power grid and residential areas.

Russia Ukraine war: Ukraine receives first batch of patriot missile from US |

The Pentagon has announced that about 90-100 Ukrainian troops will head to Oklahoma's Fort Sill as soon as next week to begin training on the Patriot missile defense system.

Ukrainian troops to train on Patriot missile system in U.S.

The Patriot missile defence system training for about 100 Ukrainian troops will commence next week in the United States. By inviting Ukrainian soldiers for weapon training, the US administration has intensified its involvement in the Ukraine-Russia war, bringing Kyiv one step closer to gaining the long-desired defence against Russia's ongoing missile attacks.

The Ukrainians are set to travel to Fort Sill in Oklahoma as early as next week. Fort Sill is one of the Army's four basic training sites which also houses the field artillery school that has been&nbsp;training army personnel for more than a century.

Unlike other advanced systems deployed to Ukraine, notably the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), Patriots need extensive, hands-on training outside of Europe.

The troops will then begin their months-long training programme to learn how to operate a Patriot battery, which is capable of shooting down attack planes, cruise missiles, and some ballistic missiles before they even strike targets, Brigadier General Pat Ryder, spokesman for the U.S. Defense Department said, Time reported.

“The training will prepare approximately 90 to 100 Ukrainian soldiers to operate, maintain, and sustain the defensive system over a training course expected to last several months,” Ryder told reporters. “Once fielded, the Patriot will contribute to Ukraine’s air defence capabilities, and provide another capability to Ukrainian people to defend themselves against Russia’s ongoing aerial assaults.”

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionnews.com/world/russia-will-destroy-us-patriot-missiles-says-putin-546482" hreflang="en">Russian forces will destroy US Patriot missiles, I am 100 per cent confident, says Putin</a>

The truck-mounted surface-to-air guided missile defence system has eight launchers, each holding up to four interceptors, along with ground radar, a control centre, and a generator. To operate one Patriot battery, approximately 100 soldiers are required. The US Army has 16 Patriot battalions in total. Last week, Germany pleged a patriot battery to Ukraine.

On Tuesday, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made the announcement that his nation would purchase for Ukraine a US-made National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS). "This is the first Canadian donation of an air defence system to Ukraine," Canada's Defence Minister, Anita Anand, said on Twitter, CNN reported.

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/videos/ukrainian-troops-to-train-on-patriot-missile-system-in-us-551337" hreflang="en">Ukrainian troops to train on Patriot missile system in U.S.</a>

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Patriot battery would significantly strengthen Kyiv's defences against the Russian invasion, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made the statement during his visit to the US in late December, Al Jazeera reported.

During a video address on Tuesday, Zelenskyy reiterated that Russia is assembling its forces for further escalation, so it is imperative that the West provides Ukraine with more high-tech weapons. “The free world has everything necessary to stop Russian aggression and bring about a historic defeat for the terrorist state,” he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Patriot missile defence system training for about 100 Ukrainian troops will commence next week in the United States. By inviting Ukrainian soldiers for weapon training, the US administration has intensified its involvement in the Ukraine-Russia war, bringing Kyiv one step closer to gaining the long-desired defence against Russia's ongoing missile attacks.

The Patriot missile defence system training for about 100 Ukrainian troops will commence next week in the United States. By inviting Ukrainian soldiers for weapon training, the US administration has intensified its involvement in the Ukraine-Russia war, bringing Kyiv one step closer to gaining the long-desired defence against Russia's ongoing missile attacks. The Ukrainians are set to travel to Fort Sill in Oklahoma as early as next week. Fort Sill is one of the Army's four basic training sites which also houses the field artillery school that has been training army personnel for more than a century. Unlike other advanced systems deployed to Ukraine, notably the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), Patriots need extensive, hands-on training outside of Europe. The troops will then begin their months-long training programme to learn how to operate a Patriot battery, which is capable of shooting down attack planes, cruise missiles, and some ballistic missiles before they even strike targets, Brigadier General Pat Ryder, spokesman for the U.S. Defense Department said, Time reported. “The training will prepare approximately 90 to 100 Ukrainian soldiers to operate, maintain, and sustain the defensive system over a training course expected to last several months,” Ryder told reporters. “Once fielded, the Patriot will contribute to Ukraine’s air defence capabilities, and provide another capability to Ukrainian people to defend themselves against Russia’s ongoing aerial assaults.” Also Read | Russian forces will destroy US Patriot missiles, I am 100 per cent confident, says Putin The truck-mounted surface-to-air guided missile defence system has eight launchers, each holding up to four interceptors, along with ground radar, a control centre, and a generator. To operate one Patriot battery, approximately 100 soldiers are required. The US Army has 16 Patriot battalions in total. Last week, Germany pleged a patriot battery to Ukraine. On Tuesday, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made the announcement that his nation would purchase for Ukraine a US-made National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS). "This is the first Canadian donation of an air defence system to Ukraine," Canada's Defence Minister, Anita Anand, said on Twitter, CNN reported. Watch | Ukrainian troops to train on Patriot missile system in U.S. Patriot battery would significantly strengthen Kyiv's defences against the Russian invasion, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made the statement during his visit to the US in late December, Al Jazeera reported. During a video address on Tuesday, Zelenskyy reiterated that Russia is assembling its forces for further escalation, so it is imperative that the West provides Ukraine with more high-tech weapons. “The free world has everything necessary to stop Russian aggression and bring about a historic defeat for the terrorist state,” he said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Ukrainian troops to begin training on Patriot missiles in US next week, Pentagon confirms

In a statement released on Thursday, Russia said that the supply of US Patriot missile systems to Ukraine, which had been announced during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's trip to Washington, would neither contribute to a settlement of the crisis nor hinder Russia's objectives. In addition to this, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that&nbsp;Russia will find an 'antidote' to US Patriot missiles in Ukraine.&nbsp;

Dmitry Peskov,&nbsp;the spokesperson for the Kremlin, claimed that throughout Zelensky's visit, there had been no indication of willingness for peace negotiations, demonstrating that the United States and Russia were engaged in a proxy conflict "until the last Ukrainian."

Invoking the fights against the Nazis in World War II&nbsp;to urge more support in the war against Russia, Zelensky told the US Congress on Wednesday that help to his country was an investment in democracy.

A further $1.85 billion in military assistance from the United States was announced for Ukraine, including the Patriot air defence system to help it fight off Russian missile barrages. The Patriot system, according to Zelensky, was a crucial component in building an air shield.

“This is the only way that we can deprive the terrorist state of its main instrument of terror — the possibility to hit our cities, our energy,” Zelensky told a White House news conference, standing next to President Joe Biden.

(With inputs from agencies)

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In a statement released on Thursday, Russia said that the supply of US Patriot missile systems to Ukraine, which had been announced during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's trip to Washington, would neither contribute to a settlement of the crisis nor hinder Russia's objectives.

In a statement released on Thursday, Russia said that the supply of US Patriot missile systems to Ukraine, which had been announced during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's trip to Washington, would neither contribute to a settlement of the crisis nor hinder Russia's objectives. In addition to this, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Russia will find an 'antidote' to US Patriot missiles in Ukraine. Dmitry Peskov, the spokesperson for the Kremlin, claimed that throughout Zelensky's visit, there had been no indication of willingness for peace negotiations, demonstrating that the United States and Russia were engaged in a proxy conflict "until the last Ukrainian." Invoking the fights against the Nazis in World War II to urge more support in the war against Russia, Zelensky told the US Congress on Wednesday that help to his country was an investment in democracy. A further $1.85 billion in military assistance from the United States was announced for Ukraine, including the Patriot air defence system to help it fight off Russian missile barrages. The Patriot system, according to Zelensky, was a crucial component in building an air shield. “This is the only way that we can deprive the terrorist state of its main instrument of terror — the possibility to hit our cities, our energy,” Zelensky told a White House news conference, standing next to President Joe Biden. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Putin claims Russia will find an ‘antidote’ to US Patriot missiles given to Ukraine for air defence

The Pentagon officials are in the final stages of finalising a plan to send a Patriot air defense missile system to Ukraine to counter Russian aerial assaults.

US finalising plans to send Patriot missile defense system to Ukraine

Ukraine war: What Panzerfaust 3 weapons can do against Russian tanks

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said he will discuss buying US Patriot missiles with President Donald Trump this month, saying his personal bond with the US leader could overcome a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unfair-to-remove-one-of-the-partners-in-f-35-programme-turkey-to-us-236968">crisis caused by Ankara buying Russian air defence</a> systems.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-to-deliver-first-s-400-missile-to-turkey-in-july-reports-230635">Turkey's purchase of the Russian S-400 missile</a> system in July raised the prospect of US&nbsp;sanctions, and the State Department has said an offer to sell Raytheon Co's&nbsp;Patriot missile defence system to Ankara has expired.

However, Erdogan told Reuters he had discussed buying Patriots in a phone call with Trump two weeks ago and would follow up when they meet at the UN General Assembly, which opens next week.

"I said no matter what package of ... S-400s we get, we can buy from you a certain amount of Patriots," Erdogan told Reuters on Friday.

"But I said we have to see conditions that at least match up to the S-400s," Erdogan said, adding that he was referring to the possibility of joint production and favourable lending terms.

"He (Trump) said,&nbsp;'Are you serious?' I said: 'Yes'," Erdogan said, adding that he told Trump they would discuss it in greater detail when they meet.

Asked whether he would also ask Trump to prevent the US&nbsp;Treasury imposing a heavy fine on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-will-turn-elsewhere-if-us-does-not-sell-f-35-fighter-jets-erdogan-238608">Turkey</a>'s mainly state-owned Halkbank for violating US sanctions on Iran, Erdogan said he was confident they could avoid such a "mistake", citing what he said was "a different kind of trust" between the two men.

"In my opinion a country like the USA will not want to hurt its ally <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-still-committed-to-purchasing-us-f-35-fighters-foreign-minister-246735">Turkey </a>any more. This is not a rational behaviour," he said in an interview at the Ottoman Dolmabahce palace complex on the Bosphorus in Istanbul.

'Safe zone'

Erdogan and Trump will also discuss plans to establish what Turkey describes as a safe zone along 450 km (280 miles) of Syrian border stretching from the Euphrates river to the Iraq border, a region controlled mainly by US-backed Syrian Kurdish YPG fighters.

On Sunday the two countries launched joint military patrols in the area, but Erdogan says that Washington has dragged its feet in an operation Turkey sees as crucial to driving the YPG, which it designates a terrorist group, away from its border.

Turkey has warned it will act alone if the safe zone is not established this month, raising the prospect of a third Turkish military incursion into northern Syria in three years.

"The peace corridor is the essential thing. We will not allow a terror corridor on our borders and we will take whatever steps are necessary on this subject," he said.

The U.S. alliance with the YPG in Syria has angered NATO member Turkey, which has faced a decades-long insurgency in its mainly Kurdish southeast and fears growing Kurdish military power on its southern border.

"It is Turkey which is fighting with these terror groups... We are your partner in NATO. You give them the weapons for free that you will not sell for money to your NATO ally," he said, referring to US&nbsp;arms supplies to the YPG.

"We are fed up with explaining this... I think Trump must understand us," Erdogan said.

Russia and Iran back Syrian President Bashar al-Assad against rebels who sought his overthrow. The United States, European and Arab allies as well as Turkey have supported different rebel factions.

Assad has regained control of most territory lost in the early stages of the eight-year conflict and has vowed to retake every inch of Syria including the northwestern province of Idlib, where Syrian and foreign radical fighters hold sway alongside other more moderate factions.

Erdogan reiterated a warning that Turkey would be forced to let Syrian refugees on its soil leave for Europe if Western nations did not provide greater support to Turkey and support its plans for a safe zone where Syrians could be settled.

"If you can’t accept this business, we will open the gates. Let them go from there wherever they want," he said.

Establishing the zone 20 miles (32 km) inside northeast Syria would allow refugees in Turkey "to return to their lands, and allow for all their needs - from education, health, shelter - to be met. It will allow them to live on their own lands and break away from the tent life and container cities," he said.

Erdogan said the financial aid Turkey was receiving from the European Union was not sufficient to ease the burden of 3.6 million Syrian refugees who have fled to Turkey since the civil war erupted in 2011.

Turkey says it has spent $40 billion hosting the Syrians, and a deal with the EU to give 6 billion euros to support those efforts was not enough and too slow, a message he would repeat to German Chancellor Angela Merkel at the United Nations.

Erdogan will host the presidents of Russia and Iran on Monday for talks that would focus on securing a lasting truce in Idlib, preventing a fresh refugee wave into Turkey, and asserting control over jihadist fighters there, he said.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said he will discuss buying US Patriot missiles with President Donald Trump this month, saying his personal bond with the US leader could overcome a crisis caused by Ankara buying Russian air defence systems.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said he will discuss buying US Patriot missiles with President Donald Trump this month, saying his personal bond with the US leader could overcome a crisis caused by Ankara buying Russian air defence systems. Turkey's purchase of the Russian S-400 missile system in July raised the prospect of US sanctions, and the State Department has said an offer to sell Raytheon Co's Patriot missile defence system to Ankara has expired. However, Erdogan told Reuters he had discussed buying Patriots in a phone call with Trump two weeks ago and would follow up when they meet at the UN General Assembly, which opens next week. "I said no matter what package of ... S-400s we get, we can buy from you a certain amount of Patriots," Erdogan told Reuters on Friday. "But I said we have to see conditions that at least match up to the S-400s," Erdogan said, adding that he was referring to the possibility of joint production and favourable lending terms. "He (Trump) said, 'Are you serious?' I said: 'Yes'," Erdogan said, adding that he told Trump they would discuss it in greater detail when they meet. Asked whether he would also ask Trump to prevent the US Treasury imposing a heavy fine on Turkey's mainly state-owned Halkbank for violating US sanctions on Iran, Erdogan said he was confident they could avoid such a "mistake", citing what he said was "a different kind of trust" between the two men. "In my opinion a country like the USA will not want to hurt its ally Turkey any more. This is not a rational behaviour," he said in an interview at the Ottoman Dolmabahce palace complex on the Bosphorus in Istanbul. 'Safe zone' Erdogan and Trump will also discuss plans to establish what Turkey describes as a safe zone along 450 km (280 miles) of Syrian border stretching from the Euphrates river to the Iraq border, a region controlled mainly by US-backed Syrian Kurdish YPG fighters. On Sunday the two countries launched joint military patrols in the area, but Erdogan says that Washington has dragged its feet in an operation Turkey sees as crucial to driving the YPG, which it designates a terrorist group, away from its border. Turkey has warned it will act alone if the safe zone is not established this month, raising the prospect of a third Turkish military incursion into northern Syria in three years. "The peace corridor is the essential thing. We will not allow a terror corridor on our borders and we will take whatever steps are necessary on this subject," he said. The U.S. alliance with the YPG in Syria has angered NATO member Turkey, which has faced a decades-long insurgency in its mainly Kurdish southeast and fears growing Kurdish military power on its southern border. "It is Turkey which is fighting with these terror groups... We are your partner in NATO. You give them the weapons for free that you will not sell for money to your NATO ally," he said, referring to US arms supplies to the YPG. "We are fed up with explaining this... I think Trump must understand us," Erdogan said. Russia and Iran back Syrian President Bashar al-Assad against rebels who sought his overthrow. The United States, European and Arab allies as well as Turkey have supported different rebel factions. Assad has regained control of most territory lost in the early stages of the eight-year conflict and has vowed to retake every inch of Syria including the northwestern province of Idlib, where Syrian and foreign radical fighters hold sway alongside other more moderate factions. Erdogan reiterated a warning that Turkey would be forced to let Syrian refugees on its soil leave for Europe if Western nations did not provide greater support to Turkey and support its plans for a safe zone where Syrians could be settled. "If you can’t accept this business, we will open the gates. Let them go from there wherever they want," he said. Establishing the zone 20 miles (32 km) inside northeast Syria would allow refugees in Turkey "to return to their lands, and allow for all their needs - from education, health, shelter - to be met. It will allow them to live on their own lands and break away from the tent life and container cities," he said. Erdogan said the financial aid Turkey was receiving from the European Union was not sufficient to ease the burden of 3.6 million Syrian refugees who have fled to Turkey since the civil war erupted in 2011. Turkey says it has spent $40 billion hosting the Syrians, and a deal with the EU to give 6 billion euros to support those efforts was not enough and too slow, a message he would repeat to German Chancellor Angela Merkel at the United Nations. Erdogan will host the presidents of Russia and Iran on Monday for talks that would focus on securing a lasting truce in Idlib, preventing a fresh refugee wave into Turkey, and asserting control over jihadist fighters there, he said.

Turkey's Erdogan to discuss buying US Patriot missiles with Trump

The United States said Wednesday it approved the sale of<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/israel-patriot-missile-intercepts-unarmed-drone-from-syria-army-150920"> $3.5 billion in missiles to Turkey</a>, offering an ultimatum after US outrage over the NATO ally's plans to buy from Russia.

The announcement came as <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-missile-defence-interceptor-arrives-in-south-korea-to-counter-norths-threat-14917?amp">President Donald Trump said that US forces</a> would withdraw from neighboring Syria, a decision likely to please Turkey as it pursues Kurdish fighters.

The State Department said it had informed Congress of plans to sell Turkey a package that includes 80 Patriot missiles, 60 PAC-3 missile interceptors and related equipment.

"The proposed sale will increase the defensive capabilities of the Turkey military to guard against hostile aggression and shield NATO allies who might train and operate within Turkey's borders," a statement said.

A year ago, Ankara announced a deal to purchase rival S-400 missiles from Russia, drawing a rebuke from its allies in NATO - a group originally formed as a bulwark against the Soviet Union.

A State Department official said that Turkey was jeopardizing participation in another US military program, the coveted F-35 fighter jets, if Turkey still went ahead with the S-400 sale.

Turkey could also face sanctions on defense purchases under US law if it goes ahead, the official said on condition of anonymity.

A purchase from Russia "would have serious ramifications for US ability to do business with Turkey across the defense trade spectrum," the official said.

"It is important that NATO countries procure military equipment that is interoperable with NATO systems. A Russian system would not meet that standard."

The announcement came as Trump said that the United States had defeated the Islamic State group in neighboring Syria -- leading to the withdrawal of US troops, who had effectively protected Kurdish fighters against Turkey.

There was no immediate indication that the two announcements were linked. But Trump has made clear that arms sales are a top priority - citing the income from weapons to defend ties with Saudi Arabia after the kingdom's killing of dissident Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Istanbul.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday vowed to "remove" the Kurdish fighters if necessary, as he said he had spoken by telephone with Trump and agreed to cooperate in Syria.

The Kurdish People's Protection Units have formed the backbone of the Syrian Democratic Forces, an opposition group that has seized about a quarter of the country with Washington's backing.

Erdogan has called the US-backed Kurdish forces "terrorists," linking them with the Kurdish Workers' Party, or PKK, which has waged an insurgency inside Turkey in the name of the Kurdish minority since 1984.

Turkey had until now been forced to be more hesitant in targeting the Kurdish forces, knowing that casualties among US troops would trigger a crisis.

Senator Lindsey Graham, a Republican who usually backs Trump, on Twitter condemned the withdrawal plan and said it would "put our allies, the Kurds, at risk."

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said Trump had also promised to look at another priority for Erdogan -- extraditing Fethullah Gulen, an influential cleric in exile in Pennsylvania whom the Turkish leader accuses of plotting a failed 2016 coup against him.

White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders on Tuesday quoted Trump as saying "we would take a look at it," without commenting further.

Trump had piled pressure on Erdogan and imposed sanctions over the detention of an evangelical US pastor, Andrew Brunson. He was released in October, removing a major impediment in relations.

The United States said Wednesday it approved the sale of $3.5 billion in missiles to Turkey, offering an ultimatum after US outrage over the NATO ally's plans to buy from Russia.

The United States said Wednesday it approved the sale of $3.5 billion in missiles to Turkey, offering an ultimatum after US outrage over the NATO ally's plans to buy from Russia. The announcement came as President Donald Trump said that US forces would withdraw from neighboring Syria, a decision likely to please Turkey as it pursues Kurdish fighters. The State Department said it had informed Congress of plans to sell Turkey a package that includes 80 Patriot missiles, 60 PAC-3 missile interceptors and related equipment. "The proposed sale will increase the defensive capabilities of the Turkey military to guard against hostile aggression and shield NATO allies who might train and operate within Turkey's borders," a statement said. A year ago, Ankara announced a deal to purchase rival S-400 missiles from Russia, drawing a rebuke from its allies in NATO - a group originally formed as a bulwark against the Soviet Union. A State Department official said that Turkey was jeopardizing participation in another US military program, the coveted F-35 fighter jets, if Turkey still went ahead with the S-400 sale. Turkey could also face sanctions on defense purchases under US law if it goes ahead, the official said on condition of anonymity. A purchase from Russia "would have serious ramifications for US ability to do business with Turkey across the defense trade spectrum," the official said. "It is important that NATO countries procure military equipment that is interoperable with NATO systems. A Russian system would not meet that standard." The announcement came as Trump said that the United States had defeated the Islamic State group in neighboring Syria -- leading to the withdrawal of US troops, who had effectively protected Kurdish fighters against Turkey. There was no immediate indication that the two announcements were linked. But Trump has made clear that arms sales are a top priority - citing the income from weapons to defend ties with Saudi Arabia after the kingdom's killing of dissident Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Istanbul. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday vowed to "remove" the Kurdish fighters if necessary, as he said he had spoken by telephone with Trump and agreed to cooperate in Syria. The Kurdish People's Protection Units have formed the backbone of the Syrian Democratic Forces, an opposition group that has seized about a quarter of the country with Washington's backing. Erdogan has called the US-backed Kurdish forces "terrorists," linking them with the Kurdish Workers' Party, or PKK, which has waged an insurgency inside Turkey in the name of the Kurdish minority since 1984. Turkey had until now been forced to be more hesitant in targeting the Kurdish forces, knowing that casualties among US troops would trigger a crisis. Senator Lindsey Graham, a Republican who usually backs Trump, on Twitter condemned the withdrawal plan and said it would "put our allies, the Kurds, at risk." Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said Trump had also promised to look at another priority for Erdogan -- extraditing Fethullah Gulen, an influential cleric in exile in Pennsylvania whom the Turkish leader accuses of plotting a failed 2016 coup against him. White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders on Tuesday quoted Trump as saying "we would take a look at it," without commenting further. Trump had piled pressure on Erdogan and imposed sanctions over the detention of an evangelical US pastor, Andrew Brunson. He was released in October, removing a major impediment in relations.

US to sell Patriot missiles, interceptors to Turkey

Around 202 BC in China, a Han dynasty general had flown kites to scare the enemy with the sound of it. In the seventeenth century in India,&nbsp; Shivaji used kites to scale the walls of an enemy fortress. In 1855, a Russian admiral Sir Arthur Cochrane used 12 feet long heavy kites to tow the torpedoes to the enemy boats. Later in the US, Russia and Europe, kites were used to lift humans, deliver messages, drop bombs and explosives over the enemy.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Since then, things have not changed much except that the kites of those times have been replaced by technically advanced drones or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or, we can also call them, Flying War Robots. The ultra-expensive, man-dependent, heavy military aircrafts have a cheaper, reliable and much more effective replacement available now.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Lightweight drones can now easily defy the territorial boundaries to conduct intelligence, reconnaissance and surveillance missions.&nbsp; They can perform artillery observations, delivery of material and even precision attacks. Their technical advances in terms of greater autonomy, use of Artificial Intelligence and swarming capabilities make the scenario much more threatening. The global forces are operating these machines which are as small as 16gm Black Hornet Nano (a US made UAV) to a massive 40 feet Wingspan Global Hawk UAV which is even bigger than most commercial airliners.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

In the last decade, we saw extensive use of drones by America for the bombing operations in the Middle East, Afghanistan and Pakistan and they proved to be damn effective. With the least possibility of being detected as they fly at very high altitudes, these steel birds can attack their target with ultra-precision and achieve desired results.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

In such a scenario, the million-dollar question is: do these birds really have a strategic implication? The answer is a clear yes. They are just not an example of technical innovation, they are an offensive alternative in the form of cheap, precision-guided vehicle capable of passing any security parameter and attacking nearly any military asset. They are today&rsquo;s Kamikaze Pilots who can attack anywhere.

&nbsp;

However, there is a serious concern. Its ok for us if they are being operated by good guys, but what if they fall into hands of Bad Guys?

&nbsp;

In October 2016, coalition forces in Mosul found ISIS using drones in large number to drop grenades and explosives over Kurdish Forces as well as the coalition army. Sometimes, they were flying over a dozen missions at the same time. And the threat was so severe that the Mosul offensive was to be stalled for many days. &nbsp;

&nbsp;

Since the markets are swarmed with cheap Chinese toys, terror attacks using these small birds cannot be ruled out even in India. A lone wolf can now effectively target even civilian assets like schools, hospitals and public gatherings to cause damage and spread terror.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

In Indian scenario, we have a lot to worry. Some of the vehicles openly available in the market are for as low as 8000-10,000 Rupees. It can carry loads of a few kilograms. They can pack a lethal punch in themselves with a little improvisation. Moreover, there is no foolproof detection measure and at times, they are detected once they are within few meters of the target. Terrorists can effectively target our military establishments, parked aircrafts, ammunition and fuel dumps, strategic command centres, inflicting severe damage.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Imagine a 10,000 Rupees drone destroying Rupees 12 billion aircraft with precision.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

They cause serious economic concerns too. In January 2017, the US Forces had to shoot down an ISIS drone by using their $3 Million Patriot Missile. What a joke? What if such drones swarm the sky in a large number? Will any anti-missile defence withstand this? The answer is a clear no.

&nbsp;

Several countries have started developing their own counter-measures against these machines. These range from Laser Shooting, Jamming Rifles, Electronic Counter Measures, Electro-Magnetic Pulse weapons and even live Eagles trained to take out smaller drones.&nbsp;

No matter whatsoever are the technological advances but still, we are far off from an effective countermeasure against these rogue birds, and we have no option but to find a solution at the earliest.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Imagine a 10,000 Rupees drone destroying Rupees 12 billion aircraft with precision.

Around 202 BC in China, a Han dynasty general had flown kites to scare the enemy with the sound of it. In the seventeenth century in India, Shivaji used kites to scale the walls of an enemy fortress. In 1855, a Russian admiral Sir Arthur Cochrane used 12 feet long heavy kites to tow the torpedoes to the enemy boats. Later in the US, Russia and Europe, kites were used to lift humans, deliver messages, drop bombs and explosives over the enemy. Since then, things have not changed much except that the kites of those times have been replaced by technically advanced drones or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or, we can also call them, Flying War Robots. The ultra-expensive, man-dependent, heavy military aircrafts have a cheaper, reliable and much more effective replacement available now. Lightweight drones can now easily defy the territorial boundaries to conduct intelligence, reconnaissance and surveillance missions. They can perform artillery observations, delivery of material and even precision attacks. Their technical advances in terms of greater autonomy, use of Artificial Intelligence and swarming capabilities make the scenario much more threatening. The global forces are operating these machines which are as small as 16gm Black Hornet Nano (a US made UAV) to a massive 40 feet Wingspan Global Hawk UAV which is even bigger than most commercial airliners. In the last decade, we saw extensive use of drones by America for the bombing operations in the Middle East, Afghanistan and Pakistan and they proved to be damn effective. With the least possibility of being detected as they fly at very high altitudes, these steel birds can attack their target with ultra-precision and achieve desired results. In such a scenario, the million-dollar question is: do these birds really have a strategic implication? The answer is a clear yes. They are just not an example of technical innovation, they are an offensive alternative in the form of cheap, precision-guided vehicle capable of passing any security parameter and attacking nearly any military asset. They are today’s Kamikaze Pilots who can attack anywhere. However, there is a serious concern. Its ok for us if they are being operated by good guys, but what if they fall into hands of Bad Guys? In October 2016, coalition forces in Mosul found ISIS using drones in large number to drop grenades and explosives over Kurdish Forces as well as the coalition army. Sometimes, they were flying over a dozen missions at the same time. And the threat was so severe that the Mosul offensive was to be stalled for many days. Since the markets are swarmed with cheap Chinese toys, terror attacks using these small birds cannot be ruled out even in India. A lone wolf can now effectively target even civilian assets like schools, hospitals and public gatherings to cause damage and spread terror. In Indian scenario, we have a lot to worry. Some of the vehicles openly available in the market are for as low as 8000-10,000 Rupees. It can carry loads of a few kilograms. They can pack a lethal punch in themselves with a little improvisation. Moreover, there is no foolproof detection measure and at times, they are detected once they are within few meters of the target. Terrorists can effectively target our military establishments, parked aircrafts, ammunition and fuel dumps, strategic command centres, inflicting severe damage. Imagine a 10,000 Rupees drone destroying Rupees 12 billion aircraft with precision. They cause serious economic concerns too. In January 2017, the US Forces had to shoot down an ISIS drone by using their $3 Million Patriot Missile. What a joke? What if such drones swarm the sky in a large number? Will any anti-missile defence withstand this? The answer is a clear no. Several countries have started developing their own counter-measures against these machines. These range from Laser Shooting, Jamming Rifles, Electronic Counter Measures, Electro-Magnetic Pulse weapons and even live Eagles trained to take out smaller drones. No matter whatsoever are the technological advances but still, we are far off from an effective countermeasure against these rogue birds, and we have no option but to find a solution at the earliest. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Opinion: How dangerous are drones in terrorist hands

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