US announces $1.3 billion package to bolster Ukraine's air defense with NASAMS missile systems.

On July 19, 2023, the US Department of Defense (DoD) announced a $1.3 billion security assistance package to support Ukraine's battlefield requirements. The package comprises crucial air defense capabilities and munitions, including four NASAMS (National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System) missile systems.
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A launch of a NASAMS or National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (Picture source Forsvarets Mediearkiv)

The NASAMS system holds immense importance for Ukraine as it significantly bolsters their ability to safeguard cities and critical infrastructure from potential missile threats. Due to the depletion of armaments caused by Russia's missile attacks, Ukraine's air defense system faces challenges, making the provision of additional air defense systems through military aid crucial to counter potential aerial threats.

The security package includes four NASAMS systems with associated munitions, 152mm artillery rounds, mine clearing equipment, Tube-Launched, Optically-Tracked, Wire-Guided (TOW) missiles, Phoenix Ghost and Switchblade Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), precision aerial munitions, counter-UAS and electronic warfare detection equipment, 150 fuel trucks, 115 tactical vehicles for towing and hauling equipment, 50 tactical vehicles for recovering equipment, port and harbor security equipment, tactical secure communications systems, and support for training, maintenance, and sustainment activities.

This support is part of the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI), initiated in 2019 by the US government to provide military aid and support to Ukraine. The primary goal of USAI is to enhance Ukraine's defensive capabilities and deter further aggression, particularly in response to Russia's annexation of Crimea and the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine. The assistance includes various military equipment, weapons, training, advisory support, financial aid, intelligence sharing, and diplomatic backing.

The NASAMS (National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System) system utilizes the AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) as its primary armament, a highly capable air-to-air missile used by many countries worldwide. It incorporates sensors and command and control capabilities, allowing operators to detect, track, and engage targets using appropriate weaponry.

The NASAMS system is widely recognized as one of the most advanced air defense systems globally and is exported to several countries, including the United States, Finland, Spain, the Netherlands, and Oman. Its primary purpose is to protect critical infrastructure, military installations, and other high-value assets.

Designed to engage aerial targets within medium ranges, typically ranging from 15 to 25 kilometers, the NASAMS system primarily employs the AIM-120 AMRAAM missile, which has a maximum range of 120 kilometers. However, the missile's effective range depends on various factors, such as target altitude, missile velocity, and the missile's guidance system's tracking capability. The NASAMS system has demonstrated its exceptional effectiveness in air defense, especially for the Ukrainian air defense.

Presently, Ukraine's air defense faces significant challenges, with the country's ability to defend against Russian missiles at risk due to the depletion of arms resulting from daily missile attacks by Russia. Ukrainian officials have expressed concerns about their capacity to engage hostile aircraft or missiles and have sought assistance from Western allies to counter the aerial onslaught.

The potential loss of air defense capacity poses a serious risk to Ukraine's stability and security. If Russian planes gain control of Ukrainian airspace, it could negatively impact the country's offensive and defensive ground campaigns, troop movements, supply lines, protection of critical infrastructure, and vulnerability to bombing campaigns. Experts have raised alarms about this situation, recognizing the critical role Ukraine's air defenses have played in its success during the ongoing conflict.

Currently, Ukraine's air defense, excluding aircraft, relies on a combination of old Soviet systems like the Buk, S-200, or S-300, along with more modern systems provided by its allies, such as IRIS-T SLM, SAMP/T, Patriot and NASAMS.