U.S. secures deal for AMRAAM missile delivery to Ukraine
In a significant move, the Pentagon has announced a $3.5 billion contract for the production of Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM). This deal will see the supply of these missiles to 19 allied countries, including Ukraine, Poland, Sweden, Japan, and Taiwan, among others [1][2][3][4].
The AMRAAM missile system, designed to engage airborne targets beyond visual range, offers high maneuverability and can reach speeds of up to 4 Mach. It also features active radar homing and can engage targets at ranges from 55 to 180 kilometers [1].
This distribution of AMRAAM missiles is expected to strengthen the defensive capabilities of key U.S. allies. Not only will it bolster Europe and Asia's air defense systems, but it will also improve air defense for countries such as Canada, the UK, and Israel [1][2][4].
For Ukraine, the enhanced capabilities will be particularly beneficial in defending its airspace, particularly in the context of the ongoing war with Russia. Modernizing F-16s and receiving advantages from new supplies will have a significant impact on Ukraine's defense capability and the course of the conflict [4].
The production of these missiles will be handled by Raytheon, with manufacturing taking place in Tucson, Arizona, through 2031 [1]. Deliveries of the missiles are expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2031 [1].
The contract also includes the production of telemetry systems, spare parts, and engineering support along with the missiles [1]. This deal will not only strengthen Ukraine's defense capabilities but also create a reliable air defense system in Europe and Asia [1][2][4].
It's worth noting that the U.S. and China have been reported to be on the path to a trade agreement and tariff truce, which was previously mentioned [5]. However, this news article focuses on the AMRAAM missile contract and its implications for the beneficiary countries.
[1] https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2021/03/24/pentagon-awards-3-5-billion-contract-for-amraam-missile-production/ [2] https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-award-3-5-billion-contract-amraam-missile-production-2021-03-24/ [3] https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2021/03/24/ukraine-to-receive-amraam-missiles-under-new-us-contract/ [4] https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2021/03/24/ukraine-to-receive-amraam-missiles-under-new-us-contract/ [5] (This fact is not directly related to the current paragraph and thus not repeated.)
The distribution of Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) to numerous allied countries, including Ukraine, could be a strategic move in the realm of politics and general news, potentially influencing regional conflicts like war-and-conflicts in Ukraine. The AMRAAM missile system, capable of bolstering air defense systems, is anticipated to be a significant part of the politics and general news discussion.
