US Signs Contract to Buy Air Defense Systems for Ukraine

The Pentagon has signed a contract with Raytheon Missiles and Defense to buy six more NASAMS. The Pentagon and the US company Raytheon Technologies have signed a $1.2 billion contract for the purchase of the NASAMS air defense system for Ukraine. The Pentagon press office announced this on Wednesday, September 30. “As part of the fifth package of security assistance initiatives for Ukraine, the U.S. Army has signed a $1.2 billion contract with Raytheon Missiles and Defense to supply Ukraine with six NASAMS batteries, training and logistical support for Ukraine’s armed and security forces,” the statement said. The United States approved the transfer of eight NASAMS air defense systems to Ukraine to defend against Russian missile attacks and drones. Ukraine received its first delivery of two NASAMS air defense systems in November. Others will be delivered over the next few months once they are built. NASAMS is a short- and medium-range mobile surface-to-air missile system designed to fight air targets at low and medium altitudes. It is capable of destroying drones, ballistic and cruise missiles, helicopters, aircraft and other aerial targets. The system was developed by the Norwegian firm Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace and the American firm Raytheon Technologies. Recall that in mid-November the NASAMS was reported to be in operation and protecting the sky over Ukraine.