The statement was made by Paul Ferraro, President of Raytheon’s Air Power division. The company supplies Ukraine with AIM-120 AMRAAM aircraft missiles modified to be launched from a ground launcher.
Ukraine receives old versions of AMRAAM. Its capabilities are significantly inferior to the AIM-120C-8 and AIM-120D-3, which are the most advanced versions of the missile. However, even the old AMRAAM as part of NASAMS is capable of shooting down more than 90% of airborne threats.
The Ukrainian Air Force uses NASAMS to counter Russian unmanned aerial vehicles and cruise missiles. The anti-aircraft missile system can also shoot down airplanes and helicopters. The system can provide protection within a radius of 40 km.
Ukraine will receive the AIM-120C-8, but it will not happen very soon. Paul Ferraro said that a fifth-generation missile could appear in Ukraine in 3-5 years.