The US is speeding up the delivery of eight National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS) promised to Ukraine following the Russian missile barrage earlier this week, White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said on Tuesday.
Two of the Raytheon air-defense systems were originally scheduled to arrive next month, while the rest will take a little longer.
“We think that we’re on track to get those first two over there in the very near future,” Reuters quoted Kirby as saying during a press briefing.
“We are certainly interested in expediting the delivery of NASAMS to Ukraine as soon as we can.”
Other Air Defense Systems Demanded
The Russian attacks have intensified Ukrainian demand for air defense systems, which had already been topping the list of weapons Kyiv demanded from the Western nations as winter approaches, according to Politico.
Apart from the NASAMS, Kyiv has demanded the Counter-Rocket, Artillery, Mortar system as well as vehicle-mounted Avenger short-range air defense system from Washington, the outlet added, citing a Congressional aide.
The US and Western allies have already provided thousands of shoulder-fired Stinger anti-aircraft systems and many S-300 air defense systems to Ukraine.
NATO to Discuss Ukraine Air Defense
Germany on Tuesday delivered the first of four Iris-T short-to-medium range air defense systems promised to Ukraine earlier than planned.
Meanwhile, the delivery of air defense systems to Ukraine will be the top topic to discuss at the two-day NATO defense ministers meeting in Brussels, starting Wednesday.