The Trump administration has begun redirecting critical anti-drone technology, initially allocated to Ukraine, to US military forces operating in the Middle East. The move highlights a shifting Pentagon posture and diminishing commitment to Kiev’s defense as the war with Russia grinds on.

Last week, the Pentagon discreetly informed Congress that special proximity fuzes, originally purchased for Ukraine’s use in intercepting Russian drones, would now be delivered to US Air Force units.

These fuzes are essential components of the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS), a technology the US has previously touted as an affordable and effective tool for Ukraine’s air defense.

The redirection of equipment coincides with President Donald Trump’s recent statement that Russian President Vladimir Putin warned of a “forceful” response to Ukrainian strikes, raising concerns that Washington is backtracking on its support for Kiev.

At the same time, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth skipped a NATO defense ministers meeting focused on Ukraine aid coordination.

In an internal memo obtained by congressional staff, Hegseth authorized the reallocation of the fuzes to the US Air Force, citing urgent operational needs in what he described as the Pentagon’s “priority theater", the western Pacific and the broader Middle East.

Ukrainian air defenses at risk amid tech shortages

The Pentagon told the Senate Armed Services Committee that the decision was driven by an “Urgent Issue Identified by the Secretary of Defense.”

However, the reallocation raises concerns that Ukrainian air defenses, already strained by a steady stream of Russian drone and missile attacks, could be further compromised by this shift in US priorities.

Ukraine had been scheduled to receive the fuzes under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI), which was created to purchase weapons and components from American defense manufacturers.

Though funding has already been allocated, future deliveries now face uncertainty if the Trump administration chooses to repurpose more systems for US inventories.

Lawmakers raise concerns over impact on Kiev

While supporters of the move argue that the Pentagon has legal authority under the 2024 emergency military spending bill, some members of Congress are demanding clarification.

One Democratic congressional aide criticized the decision, calling it “unthinkable” to deny Ukraine a key defense capability without publicly explaining the trade-off.

Former senior Pentagon official Celeste Wallander said the fuzes are “urgent and vital to Ukraine’s layered air defense” but acknowledged the competing requirement to protect US personnel from potential drone attacks by Ansar Allah in Yemen.

A congressional aide noted that the Senate Armed Services Committee is exploring ways to ramp up production of APKWS components, including funding measures in the upcoming budget reconciliation bill.

Middle East threats cited as justification for move

US Air Force units have modified APKWS rockets to be launched from F-16 and F-15E fighter jets. The system is seen as a cost-effective counter to drone threats, offering a cheaper alternative to Sidewinder or AMRAAM missiles.

A recent US Central Command photo showed an F-15E equipped with these rocket pods, indicating that deployment preparations are already underway.

The Pentagon has so far declined to comment publicly on the redirection. The decision shows the growing strategic emphasis on the Middle East, where US forces may soon face increased threats amid tensions with Iran and continued instability in the Red Sea region.

As Washington pivots its military focus, Kiev’s supporters warn that the shift could jeopardize Ukraine’s already fragile defense lines, particularly if the Trump administration continues to reallocate advanced systems meant for the battlefield in Donbass to other theaters of conflict.