[ODUNEWS] October 13 – Britain is set to donate hundreds more air defence missiles to Ukraine, including AMRAAM missiles, capable of shooting down Russian cruise missiles.
According to a news release, the AMRAAM missiles, which will be provided in the coming weeks for use with the NASAMS air defence systems pledged by the US, are the first donated by the UK and are capable of shooting down cruise missiles.
“The rockets will help to protect Ukraine’s critical national infrastructure, with the announcement coming days after Russian missiles struck civilian targets in cities across Ukraine.
Hundreds of additional 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.
Bolstering Ukraine’s air defences has been and remains a priority for UK military support. So far we have provided a variety of air defence systems including Stormer vehicles fitted with Starstreak launchers, and hundreds of anti-air missiles.”
Defence Secretary 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 its overall missile defence alongside the US NASAMS.”
The UK will also give £10 million to NATO’s Comprehensive Assistance Package for Ukraine. The funding will help to provide urgent non-lethal assistance to Ukraine such as winter clothes, shelters, generators, fuel trucks and ambulances for the Ukrainian Army ahead of the winter.
