Pentagon signs $182 mln contract for 3 NASAMS systems for Ukraine
Ukraine will soon have access to NASAMS short- and medium-range anti-aircraft missile systems according to a $182 million deal the Pentagon struck with the weaponry company Raytheon.
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Pentagon signs a $182 mln contract with Raytheon for 3 NASAMS systems.
The Pentagon signed a $182 million contract with Raytheon arms manufacturer for the purchase of NASAMS short-and medium-range anti-aircraft missile systems for Ukraine, the US Defense Department announced on Friday.
"Raytheon Co., Tewksbury, Massachusetts, was awarded a $182,295,333 firm-fixed-price contract for the procurement of National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work will be performed in Tewksbury, Massachusetts, with an estimated completion date of Aug. 23, 2024," the statement said.
The money designated as part of the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) will be used to make the purchase.
Read next: US to provide Ukraine with $1 bn in additional weapons
Earlier this week, the United States said Kiev will receive close to $3 billion in military aid. Six NASAMS systems are specifically included in the new package.
As the Washington administration highlighted, USAI will include the provision of weapons and equipment as part of the upcoming round of military aid. This suggests that the Pentagon reached agreements with producers rather than supplying specific equipment and means straight from American inventories.
US sends Ukraine NASAMS part of $2.98 billion arms package
Two days ago, US President Joe Biden said the newly instated $2.98 billion military assistance will allow Ukraine to acquire air defense systems, artillery systems and munitions, drones, and other equipment “to ensure it can continue to defend itself over the long term.”
The announcement came as Ukraine celebrated its 1991 declaration of independence from the Soviet Union, marking Ukraine’s independence day holiday and the six-month point in the war.
“I know this independence day is bittersweet for many Ukrainians as thousands have been killed or wounded, millions have been displaced from their homes, and so many others have fallen victim to Russian atrocities and attacks,” Biden stated.
This package brings the US military assistance for Kiev since the start of the war in Ukraine to almost $13.5 billion in total.
Read next: Biden pumps billions into the long war in Ukraine: Politico
