By KYIV. May 25 (Interfax-Ukraine) – The United States approved the sale of NASAMS air defense systems and related equipment to Ukraine for $285 million, the U.S. State Department said.
The State Department has made a decision to approve a possible foreign military sale to the government of Ukraine of the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) and related equipment worth $285 million.
It is indicated that Ukraine has requested to buy NASAMS that includes: AN/MPQ-64F1 Sentinel Radar, Fire Distribution Center (FDC); canister launchers, GPS receivers, code loaders and cable sets, and other program logistics and support items.
“Ukraine has an urgent need to increase its capabilities to defend against Russian missile strikes and aircraft. Acquiring and effectively deploying this capability will enhance Ukraine’s ability to defend its people and protect critical national infrastructure,” the department said.
It is reported that Raytheon Missiles and Defense will become the main contractor.
NASAMS is a mobile anti-aircraft missile system designed to deal with maneuvering aerodynamic targets at low and medium altitudes. The battery includes a radar station, a towed launcher with six containers for AMRAAM missiles with a range of up to 40 kilometers and a command and control post. The complex was developed by the Norwegian company Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace together with the U.S. company Raytheon.
