Pentagon Chief Pete Hegseth has ordered the redirection of missile detonators intended for Ukraine for the needs of the US Air Force, writes the newspaper The Wall Street Journal, citing its sources.
According to their information, Hegseth notified Congress of this decision last week. By his order, the missile detonators that Ukraine uses to intercept drones will be redirected to the US military in the Middle East. As the publication notes, this step has caused concern among Ukraine's supporters on Capitol Hill. The decision to send the warheads to Ukraine was made during the administration of former US President Joe Biden.
These short-range warheads were originally designed for laser-guided surface-to-air missiles, but the US Air Force has adapted missiles with this component for launch from F-15E fighter jets, the publication said. They are also used by the US military to intercept drones launched by Yemeni Houthis.
This solution allows for cost reductions, as it is cheaper than using Sidewinder and AMRAAM air-to-air missiles.