The United States Department of Defense has signed a contract with Raytheon Missiles & Defense, a division of Raytheon Technologies, for the purchase of NASAMS short- and medium-range anti-aircraft missile systems (SAMs) for Ukraine. The total amount of the deal is $182 million.
However, this does not mean that the weapons will arrive any time soon. The Pentagon reports that the tentative date for completion of the SAM is August 23, 2024.
“Raytheon Missiles & Defense and our partners are working diligently to quickly deliver this crucial, proven air defense system to help the Ukrainian people defend their homeland. Ukraine will join a dozen countries around the world that rely on NASAMS to counter a multitude of threats, including cruise missiles, aircraft and unmanned systems,” the company said.
Jointly developed and manufactured by RMD and Norway’s Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, NASAMS consists of Sentinel radar, an advanced medium-range air-to-air missile and the KDA fire distribution center. NASAMS provides air defenders with an adaptable, advanced defense system that can maximize their ability to identify, engage and destroy current and emerging enemy aircraft, drones and emerging cruise missile threats.
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