US DoD seeks to ink deals for technical assistance on Patriot Systems

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
14 Jan 2023 23:48

The Pentagon expects to receive a commercial offer solely from Raytheon Technologies, which specializes in the manufacture of the weapon system.

Patriot missiles are seen at the Rzeszow-Jasionka Airport, March 25, 2022, in Jasionka, Poland (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)

The US Department of Defense is seeking to ink an agreement with tech giant Raytheon Technologies to support the Pentagon with technical assistance on the Patriot air defense system that will be delivered to Ukraine's armed forces, a post on the government's System for Award Management (SAM) website read on Saturday.

On December 21, 2022, the US announced a $1.85 billion in military assistance package for Ukraine, with the assistance consisting of a Patriot air defense system.

"RTX [Raytheon Technologies] shall provide TA to consist of advice and assistance in the planning, operation, maintenance, repair, and sustainment of the Ukraine Air Defense PATRIOT Weapon System, associated equipment and logistics support elements," the posting read.

The Pentagon expects to receive a commercial offer solely from Raytheon Technologies, which specializes in the manufacture of the weapon system.

However, other companies have been encouraged to contact Raytheon for subcontracting opportunities.

On January 6, the White House a new $3 billion package in military aid to Ukraine, the first since the year 2023 started.

The package reportedly includes Bradley military vehicles, self-propelled howitzer artillery guns, MRAPS vehicles, Sea Sparrow missiles, and ammo, among other military materials and equipment.

The package also includes $682 million in assistance for European partners to reinforce NATO's presence in the eastern flank and $225 million to revamp Ukraine's military and build its long-term capacity.

"[T]he package is expected to include… $225 million in foreign military financing for Ukraine to build the long-term capacity and modernization of Ukraine's military," Jean-Pierre said during a press briefing.

"Today's assistance also includes $682 million for regional partners and allies on NATO's eastern flank to incentivize and backfill donations of military equipment."