Thursday 12 December, 2024

UK to help bolster Ukrainian air defence

UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace announced on 13 October that the UK will donate cutting-edge air defence missiles to Ukraine which will help protect critical infrastructure against Russian missile attacks.

Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) missiles for use with the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) air defence systems pledged by the U.S. will be provided in the coming weeks and are capable of shooting down cruise missiles.

The AMRAAMs will help to protect Ukraine’s critical national infrastructure, with the announcement coming days after Russian missiles struck civilian targets in cities across Ukraine.

Along with the AMRAAMs additional supplies of air defence missiles, of other types previously provided, will also be donated as part of the package, along with hundreds of additional aerial drones to support Ukraine’s information gathering and logistics capabilities, and a further 18 howitzer artillery guns, in addition to the 64 already delivered.

Ben Wallace said: “Russia’s latest indiscriminate strikes on civilian areas in Ukraine warrant further support to those seeking to defend their nation. So today I have authorised the supply of AMRAAM anti-aircraft missiles to Ukraine.”

“These weapons will help Ukraine defend its skies from attacks and strengthen their overall missile defence alongside the US NASAMS.”

Neil Ritchie
Neil Ritchie
Neil Ritchie is the founder and editor of DefenceToday.com. Neil has a keen interest in the UK armed forces and national security issues as well as global defence procurement and cyber security matters. He also researches and writes about military history.

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