Espreso. Global

US sends key air defense components to Ukraine amidst growing military aid

13 December, 2023 Wednesday
17:34

The recent $200 million aid package from the US to Ukraine, under the presidential withdrawal initiative, raises speculation about the assembly of a hybrid FrankenSAM air defense system with AIM-9M missiles. Here are the three signs that point to a potential start of production for this system

client/title.list_title

Defense Express writes about it. 

The aid package includes "air defense system components," suggesting a transfer of unnamed elements from the US military reserves. Alongside this, the package features "equipment for the protection of critical national infrastructure." These details, coupled with the provision of AIM-9M missiles, align with the development of a close-range air defense system dubbed FrankenSAM.

Though not officially confirmed, the transfer strongly hints at providing components for assembling a system with a target destruction range of approximately 5 km, akin to the MIM-72 Chaparral. The recent announcement in Washington about sharing technical documentation for FrankenSAM projects adds weight to this assumption.

The simplicity of integrating AIM-9M missiles makes them a feasible choice for this project, possibly resembling the British AIM-132 ASRAAM air-to-air missile system. The parallel guidance systems and past success in adapting similar missiles support this idea.

The undisclosed method of implementation echoes the British model, involving a radar-equipped armored chassis and missile pre-launch systems. This suggests that Ukraine could assemble similar FrankenSAMs locally or repurpose existing Soviet air defense systems.

Notably, the aid package includes a variety of military equipment, from missiles to HIMARS and HARM anti-radar missiles to small arms ammunition. This comprehensive support aims to bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities amid growing tensions.

While the exact strategy for incorporating these components remains undisclosed, the aid signals a significant step in enhancing Ukraine's military capabilities.
 

Tags:
Read also:
  • News
2024, Friday
11 October
21:28
Slovakia intends to expand repair base for Ukrainian military equipment
21:05
Europe won't be secure until Ukraine is in NATO - former U.S. ambassador
20:47
Updated
Ukraine to share list of journalists in Russian captivity with Vatican after Zelenskyy-Pope meeting
20:31
OPINION
What's behind word 'peace'?
20:08
Deceased journalist Roshchyna held in Russian detention center known for brutal torture
19:49
Affiliate Material
Rebuilding Ukraine: Sumy region's recovery from Russian occupation
19:30
Exclusive
Delivery of Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets to Ukraine set to outpace F-16 timeline
19:12
Ukraine’s strikes on ammo depots poise Russia to face shell crisis - Estonian intelligence
18:55
78 clashes occur at front on Oct. 11: Ukraine's General Staff names hottest areas
18:33
Affiliate Material
Reconstruction progress in Odesa region: сompensation timeline, application process
18:10
Scholz pledges €1.4 billion in aid for Ukraine during talks with Zelenskyy
17:51
Exclusive
Russia's advance in Kupyansk sector: Ukrainian military reveals strategic objectives
17:32
Interpol-wanted Islamic State member detained in Kyiv
17:13
Russian troops advance in Toretsk, reinforce defence near Chasiv Yar - Ukrainian military
16:54
Russia damages at least 1,641 schools in Ukraine, destroys 201 more
16:36
OPINION
Is Ukraine just one step from NATO and victory?
16:15
Exclusive
Kim Jong-Un will not send troops to Ukraine due to U.S. threat — Ukrainian general
15:59
Russian troops face logistical crisis following destruction of Feodosia oil depot — Atesh guerrillas
15:41
Exclusive
Ukrainian general names timeline for delivery of French Mirage aircraft
15:24
Ukrainian intelligence's cyber specialists target Russian military educational institutions
14:58
Russia to accept tangerines as currency amid payment difficulties caused by sanctions
14:36
Affiliate Material
War in Ukraine: Reconstruction progress in Chernihiv region and key factors delaying recovery efforts
14:03
Over 70% of wounded Ukrainian military return to service - Medical Forces Commander 
13:35
OPINION
Kadyrov's blood revenge. What it means for Russian elites
13:14
Ukrainian journalist dies in Russian captivity: Ukraine launches war crime and murder investigation
12:36
Exclusive
Russia aims to advance towards Ukrainian logistics routes in Kursk region assault — military expert
11:50
Ukrainian Armed Forces control 40-50% of Toretsk - City Military Administration
11:27
ISW analyzes impact of Ukraine's strikes on Russian ammunition depots on frontline dynamics
11:03
169 clashes erupt on Russian-Ukrainian frontline, with Russia pushing in Lyman direction
10:40
Russia captures 3 settlements near Myrnohrad in Pokrovsk direction - DeepState
10:17
Ukraine, China discuss political settlement of war launched by Russia
09:55
Russian troops attack Odesa region, killing 4 people, including teenager
09:36
Russia loses military helicopter, 8 tanks and 1,140 soldiers in one day of war in Ukraine
2024, Thursday
10 October
21:20
Radio Liberty journalists come under Russian fire in Bakhmut sector
21:05
Ukraine's MoD approves over 140 new UAV models for operation in 2024
20:50
Norway allocates EUR 82 million to boost production of weapons for Ukraine
20:32
Ukrainian journalist Viktoria Roshchyna dies in Russian captivity
20:15
Exclusive
North Korean soldiers may appear in Ukraine - Defense Express
19:55
Could hypothetical invitation to NATO not be trap for Ukraine?
19:40
Russian army hits almost 300 objects of Ukraine's port infrastructure in 3 months
More news