Ukraine to receive RIM-7 missiles from U.S. to counter BUK launchers

Another new package of U.S. security assistance to the Defence Forces of Ukraine will, for the first time, include radar-guided RIM-7 Sea Sparrow anti-air missiles, which can easily be launched from the Ocean or surface to intercept and neutralize engaging aircraft or cruise missiles.

These new high-tech missiles will allow Ukraine to counter Soviet-era BUK launchers. Since the beginning of war, the BUK launchers have been used numerous times against Ukraine, making it challenging for the country to defend its territories with a high population.

RIM-7 Sea Sparrow anti-air missiles will guide the Ukrainian skies to save the country from further Russian missile strikes and their lethal BUK launchers.

The U.S. is focused on providing various air defence systems needed to counter Russian attacks. Andrea Kalan, the official representative of the U.S. Department of State, said that Washington would provide Ukraine with new air defence systems.

She said, “Although Russia tried to sow fear and chaos on New Year’s Eve, we can see that the Ukrainian Armed Forces effectively fought these attacks. We will continue to help and see how the Ukrainian military is effectively using air defence systems to defend its country”.

Along with the US, Germany has also joined forces to save Ukraine from Russian aggression by delivering essential aid to the country and strengthening their military by providing modern-era defence systems capable of intercepting Russian cruise missiles before entering the territory.

Germany sent the Patriot air defence system and Marder IFV to Ukraine as part of security assistance, Die Welt reports concerning the Federal Government.

Dmytro Keluba, Ukrainian Foreign Minister, reported that Preparations for transferring the Patriot air defence system to Ukraine have already begun.

As reported by Wikipedia, The United States Army and several allies mainly use the MIM-104 Patriot surface-to-air missile (SAM) system. It is made by American defence contractor Raytheon and gets its name from the weapon system’s radar component.

With the claimed engagement of more than 40 Iraqi Scud missiles during the Persian Gulf War in 1991, the Patriot system became popular. During the 2003 Iraq War, the system was successfully employed against Iraqi rockets.