The Pentagon announced the sending of NASAMS systems to Ukraine

The United States will send new NASAMS anti-aircraft missile systems (SAM) to Ukraine. This was announced by US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, who headed the meeting of the Contact Group for Assistance to Ukraine. His words leads Pentagon press office.

“Our new package [военной помощи] provides even more air defense capabilities to help Ukraine defend its cities and skies. <...> This includes NASAMS air defense systems and eight Avenger air defense systems.

Earlier today at the Pentagon reportedthat the United States will send another $2.5 billion military aid package to Ukraine. As part of the new package, Washington will transfer to Kyiv 59 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, 590 missiles for TOW anti-tank missile systems installed on them, and 295,000 25 mm caliber ammunition. The tranche also included eight M1097 Avenger surface-to-air missile systems (SAMs), 90 Stryker armored vehicles, additional ammunition for NASAMS and HIMARS, and 53 armored vehicles with enhanced mine protection of the MRAP class.

The head of the Pentagon also noted that since the start of the Russian special military operation in Ukraine on February 24, 2022, the total amount of American military assistance officially allocated to Kyiv now stands at more than $26.7 billion. informedthat the EU countries have supplied weapons to Ukraine in the amount of 11.5 billion euros.

The Russian authorities have repeatedly criticized Western financial and military assistance to Ukraine. In particular, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova warnedthat pumping Ukraine with weapons brings NATO closer to the dangerous line of a direct military clash with Russia.