© Reuters.
By Mike Stone
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. Military awarded a $1.2 billion contract to Raytheon Applied sciences (NYSE:) Co for six Nationwide Superior Floor-to-Air Missile Programs (NASAMS) for Ukraine on Wednesday, the Pentagon stated.
America has authorised sending Ukraine a complete of eight NASAMS to assist fend off Russian missile and drone assaults.
Ukraine obtained its first supply of two NASAMS air protection techniques in November. Others will likely be delivered in future months as soon as they’re constructed.
“NASAMS are simply the most recent within the various set of air-defense capabilities we’re delivering to Ukraine,” stated Invoice LaPlante, Below Secretary of Protection for Acquisition and Sustainment.
These six NASAMS techniques have been a part of the fifth Ukraine Safety Help Initiative (USAI) package deal which was introduced on Aug. 24 and had a complete worth of $2.98 billion, in line with an Military Assertion. USAI funds enable the Biden administration to acquire weapons from business moderately than taking weapons from present U.S. weapons shares.
The contract is for the NASAMS batteries, coaching, and logistical help to Ukraine’s navy and safety forces.
Funds for the 2 different NASAMS got here from the third USAI package deal introduced in July.
Final week Doug Bush, the chief weapons purchaser for the Military, informed reporters the U.S. Military is accelerating its weapons acquisition course of to hurry via a backlog of contracts wanted to replenish U.S. shares of weapons depleted by arms shipments to Ukraine.
The Pentagon has stated the newly U.S.-provided NASAMS air protection techniques up to now have had a 100% success charge in Ukraine intercepting Russian missiles.
In whole, the US has dedicated greater than $19.3 billion in safety help to Ukraine for the reason that starting of the Biden Administration.
