01.09.2023 07:46
The U.S. Department of Defense has ordered the production of advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles (AMRAAM) from the American company Raytheon for Ukraine.
That’s according to the Pentagon, Ukrinform reports.
This contract provides for Raytheon purchasing fielded AMRAAM weapons from various sources by November 29, 2024.
Appropriate funds are allocated from Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI).
In June, Raytheon signed a $1.15 billion contract with the U.S. Air Force to supply AIM-120 D-3 and C-8 AMRAAM missiles.
AMRAAM (AIM-120) is an all-weather medium-range air-to-air guided missile designed to engage targets regardless of line of sight at a distance of up to 180 km.
(C)UKRINFORM 2023
Likely to be preparation for the transfer of f-16’s?
Can they be retrofitted to Ukraine’s MiGs and SUs in the meantime?
“Work will be performed at Tucson, Arizona, and is expected to be completed by Nov. 29, 2024.”
So only for F16 I imagine.
http://www.defense.gov:
“Raytheon Missiles and Defense, Tucson, Arizona, was awarded a $192,000,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for purchase of Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM). This contract provides for Raytheon purchasing fielded AMRAAM weapons from various sources. Work will be performed at Tucson, Arizona, and is expected to be completed by Nov. 29, 2024. This contract was a sole-source acquisition. Fiscal 2023 Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative funds in the amount of $7,688,220 are being obligated at the time of award. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Air Dominance Division, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, is the contracting activity (FA8675-23-D-0001).”
Moreover, according to en.defence-ua.com, it is very difficult or even unimaginable to adapt the AMRAAMs to the Mig.
Even the HARM missiles can’t be fully utilized because it needs radar that can see 120km and not 20km with the mig29. Basically the least effective mode of the HARM missile is the only one that works. And I think it basically fired blind to enemy territory and hope there are radars detectable, within range and hope doesn’t get shot down in the process
Hell it’s a Nov 24 thing…I so miss the greatest generation, the baby boomers are really screwing shit up. The Reagan(s), McCains of the world would never have allowed it to get this far. Ok I will admit even that generation had assholes like Bush 1.
True! With Reagan or McCain, we wouldn’t even have a war in Ukraine right now. They would’ve known how to handle the stinking sewer rat and made it clear to him what we would do, and not start telling him what we will not do, like the old fool Joe did.
Amen, Franky! 😎
Thanks, Mikey! 😎
“it’s a Nov 24 thing”
It says the work “is expected to be completed by Nov. 29, 2024.” But the missiles aren’t made in one big batch. It’s possible that they’ll be sending them in an ongoing basis until the contract is fulfilled.