Washington approves selling NasaMS air defense system to Kiev at a value of $285 million
The United States announced Wednesday approval for the sale of a $285 million NasaMS air defense system and related equipment to Ukraine, which is seeking to bolster its defenses against Russian strikes.
“Ukraine has an urgent need to increase its defense capabilities against Russian missile strikes and aircraft,” the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency said in a statement.
The statement added that obtaining and deploying this system will enhance Ukraine’s ability to defend its people and protect critical national infrastructure.
The statement revealed that the sale wouldn’t require the assignment of any US government employees or contractors to work in Ukraine.
The State Department approved the sale, and the Defense Security Cooperation Agency on Wednesday provided the required notification to Congress, which must approve the sale.
Countries including the United States, which supports Ukraine in its battle against Russian forces, have donated military equipment worth tens of billions of dollars to Kiev, but the latest agreement will be in the form of a sale.
The Ukrainian air defenses played a major role in protecting the country from strikes and preventing Russian forces from controlling its airspace.
When Russia began its invasion in February 2022, Ukraine’s air defenses consisted largely of Soviet-era planes and batteries.
However, Kiev has since greatly boosted its arsenal thanks to Western support, which included units of the NasaMS.
