Ukraine to receive AIM-9M missiles for new air defense system
11 October, 2023 AIM-9M missiles.
2015. Photo credits: U.S. Army
Ukraine is going to receive a new air defense system that uses AIM-9M missiles. U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said that AIM-9 missiles for the new air defense system will soon be delivered to Ukraine.
The United States will provide Ukraine with a new £200 million security assistance package, which, among other things, includes the provision of these very missiles. "I am proud that the United States has announced its latest £200 million package of assistance to Ukraine. This includes AIM-9 missiles for a new air defense system, which we will soon deliver to Ukraine, as well as artillery and rocket ammunition, precision aerial munitions, anti-tank weapons, and counter-UAS," Austin said at the Ramstein meeting opening.
According to him, the total amount of announced aid from the United States since the beginning of 'Putin's war' reached almost £43.9 billion.
Lloyd Austin during the second meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, May 2022. Photo credits: CNN
"And I'm proud that this coalition of about 50 countries from around the world has come together to provide more than £33 billion in security assistance to Ukraine," he added. However, Lloyd Austin did not specify what new systems these missiles will use.
At the same time, Canada announced the first transfer of these AIM-9 missiles without specifying the version back in May 2023. And in late August, AIM-9M was included in the U.S. aid package for Ukraine and was later included in other packages. The AIM-9 air-to-air guided missile, which is supposed to strengthen Ukraine's air defense, has an infrared homing head.
The moment of launching the AIM-9M missile.
Photo credits: US Navy
The missiles are compatible with most modern fighter jets.
However, it is likely that the transferred AIM-9M missiles will be used to arm Ukraine's ground launcher.
As previously reported, in September 2023, Lithuania reinforced Ukraine's air defense with the new NASAMS air defense system launchers.