UK joins allies in providing air defence capability to Ukraine
A total of eight NASAMS have been approved to be sent to Ukraine so far. (Photo: Kongsberg)
New air-to-air and surface-to-air systems pledged to Ukraine by the West will help to protect its key cities and infrastructure, but Kyiv will need more to be fully protected from the ongoing missile attacks, expert says.
UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace has announced the UK would donate Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs) to Ukraine after Russian missiles rained down on 20 Ukrainian cities, including the capital Kyiv.
Wallace announced the new aid ahead of a NATO meeting in Brussels on 13 October.
He 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."
AMRAAM was originally developed for air-to-air operations by the USAF and USN, but it had seen extensive export sales and ground-to-air
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Land Warfare
-
![Sweden seeks US HIMARS missile system to expand long-range strike capability]()
Sweden seeks US HIMARS missile system to expand long-range strike capability
The proposed $920 million deal would provide Sweden with a step up from its existing tube artillery and align the country with other northern European nations that have selected the HIMARS platform.
-
![Thales Storm 2 counter-drone system being evaluated by potential customers]()
Thales Storm 2 counter-drone system being evaluated by potential customers
The attack drone threat from first-person view uncrewed aerial systems has been highlighted by recent conflicts and Thales has adapted its Storm 2 counter-improvised explosive device jammer to provide protection.
-
![Rolls-Royce to lead powertrain development for MGCS in important step for the programme]()
Rolls-Royce to lead powertrain development for MGCS in important step for the programme
The move signals significant progress for the delayed Franco-German Main Ground Combat System programme with first powerpack prototypes set to be tested before the end of the decade.
-
![Australia’s DroneShield looks to Europe in a drive to massively increase production]()
Australia’s DroneShield looks to Europe in a drive to massively increase production
DroneShield has experienced significant growth in a short period of time, more than doubling its personnel to 500 people in the space of 18 months on the back of both military and civil demand.
-
![UN “not fulfilling core tasks” for Ukraine, says Estonian defence secretary]()
UN “not fulfilling core tasks” for Ukraine, says Estonian defence secretary
Estonia is looking for innovative ways to deal with its particular challenges but, according to the MoD’s permanent secretary, Kaimo Kuusk, technology still needs to be backed up by old-fashioned long-range punch.
