Pentagon awards Raytheon $1.2 billion contract for Ukrainian NASAMS By Reuters

By Mike Stone

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. Military awarded a $1.2 billion contract to Raytheon Applied sciences (NYSE:) Co for six Nationwide Superior Floor-to-Air Missile Techniques (NASAMS) for Ukraine on Wednesday, the Pentagon mentioned.

The USA has permitted sending Ukraine a complete of eight NASAMS to assist fend off Russian missile and drone assaults.

Ukraine obtained its first supply of two NASAMS air protection methods in November. Others shall be delivered in future months as soon as they’re constructed.

“NASAMS are simply the most recent within the various set of air-defense capabilities we’re delivering to Ukraine,” mentioned Invoice LaPlante, Underneath Secretary of Protection for Acquisition and Sustainment.

These six NASAMS methods had been a part of the fifth Ukraine Safety Help Initiative (USAI) bundle which was introduced on Aug. 24 and had a complete worth of $2.98 billion, in line with an Military Assertion. USAI funds permit the Biden administration to obtain weapons from trade somewhat than taking weapons from current U.S. weapons shares.

The contract is for the NASAMS batteries, coaching, and logistical assist to Ukraine’s navy and safety forces.

Funds for the 2 different NASAMS got here from the third USAI bundle introduced in July.

Final week Doug Bush, the chief weapons purchaser for the Military, advised reporters the U.S. Military is accelerating its weapons acquisition course of to hurry by a backlog of contracts wanted to replenish U.S. shares of weapons depleted by arms shipments to Ukraine.

The Pentagon has mentioned the newly U.S.-provided NASAMS air protection methods to this point have had a 100% success fee in Ukraine intercepting Russian missiles.

In whole, the US has dedicated greater than $19.3 billion in safety help to Ukraine for the reason that starting of the Biden Administration.