By KYIV. Nov 1 (Interfax-Ukraine) – The United States will send two Advanced Air Defense Systems (NASAMS) in the coming weeks, the Ukrainian military is already training in the use of this system, according to a senior US Department of Defense official.
"The U.S. has committed to sending eight National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems – NASAMs – to Ukraine. Two of those systems are being sent in the next few weeks with the others to follow. Ukrainian soldiers are already being trained to use the system, which shoots many different missiles. NASAMs can defend against a wide range of airborne threats," according to the website’s statement on Tuesday night.
In addition, the Ministry of Defense said the Ukrainian military was able to repel some enemy missile attacks on Monday, but air defense remains a priority, as "damage to the electric grid and water supply are serious concerns directly harming the civilian population."
In addition, the United States has already provided 1,400 Stinger short-range anti-aircraft missile systems. Allies and partners also provided short-range air defense.
"We also have committed to a suite of counter, unmanned aerial systems, including the Vampire system and other radar systems," a senior official said.
Moreover, the U.S. Department of Defense said the latest security assistance package for Ukraine, "includes additional ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, or HIMARS; 500 rounds of precision-guided 155 millimeter artillery rounds; and more than 1,300 anti-armor systems, including the shoulder-launched multipurpose assault weapon. The package – valued at $275 million – also includes Humvees and satellite communications antennas."
A senior US military official said "we continue to see deliberate and calibrated operations by Ukrainian forces as they press Russian forces along the three main axes," a senior military official said. "We assess that the Russians in this area continue to reinforce their defensive lines, as well."
