UK sends air defence missiles to Ukraine after air strikes

The UK has announced delivery of a new package of sophisticated air defence missiles for Ukraine.

The package of around 200 air defence missiles is intended to re-supply UK-developed air defence systems provided to Ukraine in late 2022, topping up Ukraine’s air defence capability.

The air defence missiles (Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missiles – ASRAAM) are manufactured in the UK by defence contractor MBDA and are designed to be launched from aircraft including the UK’s Typhoon and F-35 fighter jets.

The announcement comes after airstrikes in Kyiv, Lviv and Odesa.

Defence secretary, Grant Shapps said: "Putin’s latest wave of murderous airstrikes are a desperate and futile attempt to regain momentum after the catastrophic loss of hundreds of thousands of conscripts and ahead of the humiliation of his three-day war entering a third calendar year.

"We continue to stand by Ukraine’s defence, which is why today we are sending hundreds of air defence missiles to restock British gifted air defence systems capable of striking down Russian drones and missiles with incredible accuracy.

"Putin is testing Ukraine’s defences and the West’s resolve, hoping that he can clutch victory from the jaws of defeat. But he is wrong. Ukraine’s degradation of the Russian Black Sea fleet has proven it is still in this fight to win. And today’s air defence package sends an undeniable message, in the face of Russian barbarity that the UK remains absolutely committed to supporting Ukraine.

"Now is the time for the free world to come together and redouble our efforts to get Ukraine what they need to win."

Image by Miguel Á. Padriñán from Pixabay