US signs $1.2 billion purchase contract to deliver new NASAMS air defense systems to Ukraine

MADRID, 1 Dic. (EUROPA PRESS) -

The United States has signed a contract of 1,200 million dollars (1,150 million euros) on Wednesday with the arms company Raytheon for the acquisition of mobile surface-to-air missile systems NASAMS, which will later be delivered to Ukraine.

As detailed by the US Army, this "effort" is a continuation of the contract it has with Raytheon to deliver two NASAMS batteries to the Ukrainian Army as part of the third arms delivery package.

"The first two batteries have been delivered and deployed and have successfully demonstrated the effectiveness of the systems against the threat," the US Department of Defense said, justifying the purchase of new missile systems.

Meanwhile, the US Army, along with arms industry partners, will work to shorten the 24-month production lead time associated with NASAMS production and delivery.

"This effort further illustrates the urgency that the United States Government is taking in its approach to acquiring air defense systems for our allies and to replenish our own ammunition reserves," the country's Armed Forces have asserted in the letter.

"Acquisition speed and agility are a top priority," said Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology Douglas Bush. "The rapid award of this contract is another example of the Army's ability to expedite the delivery of critical capabilities through our industry partners to our allies," he added.

Ukraine has recently called for more provision of air defense systems after Russia attacked the country's critical energy infrastructure with missiles and drones, leaving much of the territory without power or with tight consumption restrictions.

Also, since the beginning of the war on February 24, Russian troops have attacked civilian settlements and residential areas, a reason that has led Ukraine to request air defense systems.