Ukrainian air defense to receive American AIM-9M and AIM-7 missiles
The United States announces a new military aid package for Ukraine worth $175 million.
This is stated in a press release published on the website of the US Department of Defense.
The package will include AIM-9M and AIM-7 missiles for Ukraine’s air defense.
In October, it was reported that Ukraine had armed itself with a new air defense system that uses AIM-9M missiles.
The AIM-9 air-to-air guided missile, which is intended to strengthen Ukraine’s air defense, has an infrared homing head.
The missiles are compatible with most modern fighters. However, the transferred AIM-9M missiles were used to arm Ukraine’s ground launcher.
In turn, AIM-7 radar-guided anti-aircraft missiles can launch anti-aircraft missile systems.
Earlier, American sources reported that the Ukrainian defense industry had allegedly been able to integrate these American missiles with Buk missile launchers.
In general, the new package includes:
- AIM-9M and AIM-7 air defense missiles;
- additional ammunition for high mobility artillery systems (HIMARS);
- 155-mm and 105-mm artillery shells;
- high-speed anti-radiation missiles (HARM);
- TOW anti-tank systems;
- Javelin and AT-4 anti-tank systems;
- more than 4 million rounds of ammunition for small arms;
- vehicles for towing and transportation of equipment;
- explosive munitions for clearing obstacles;
- equipment to protect critical national infrastructure;
- spare parts, maintenance and other auxiliary equipment.
The U.S. State Department reports that if Congress does not approve the president’s request for additional national security funding, it will be one of the last security assistance packages for Ukraine.
Joe Biden’s administration still has about five billion dollars from the budget approved by Congress last year to provide military assistance from U.S. stockpiles.
