On Tuesday, Ukrainian troops began training in Oklahoma.
Citing information by the Defense Department, Axios reports that 90 to 100 Ukrainians are training at Fort Sill to operate and maintain Patriot missile defense systems.
Known as Phased Array Tracking Radar Intercept on Target, Patriot is a high-tech air defense system developed by Raytheon Technologies Corp.
Last week, Defense Secretary Air Force Brigadier General Patrick Ryder told reporters, “Once fielded, the Patriot will continue to contribute to Ukraine’s air defense capabilities and provide another capability to Ukrainian people to defend themselves against Russia’s ongoing aerial assaults.”
As well as intercepting aircraft and ballistic missiles, the system could also destroy Russian “kamikaze” drones used to destroy Ukrainian infrastructure by Russian forces.
Ukraine is being trained after the Pentagon announced it would send a Patriot air defense system and more weapons there.
There will be several months of training, but many residents in Oklahoma are concerned about their safety.
Rep. Nathan Dahm previously attempted to stop Ukrainian troops from training in Oklahoma by issuing a SCR2, but it seems to have had no effect.
Rep. Dahm tweeted, “The last thing we need is a missile misfire into Oklahoma.”
It is irresponsible and dangerous for American officials to welcome Ukrainian troops onto our soil for combat training, as this decision puts our national security at risk. 90 to 100 Ukrainians are actively training in Oklahoma with Patriot missile defense systems, but many residents in the area are concerned about their own safety. Given the grave circumstances of our world today, it is irresponsible to bring foreign military personnel into America who are engaged in war with another country. It would be wiser if they trained somewhere else where the presence of an international force wouldn’t cause alarm and fright amongst citizens who would otherwise feel safe.
