A UK-led international fund is seeking to procure long-range missiles for Ukraine.
The International Fund for Ukraine Urgent Bidding Round 2 calls for military equipment for the country, including missiles with a range of 100 to 300 kilometers (62 to 186 miles).
The fund is seeking projectiles that can be launched from land, sea, or air platforms carrying a payload of 20 to 490 kilograms (44 to 1,080 pounds).
Other requirements include “low probability of intercept, mission planning capability, assured navigation (with hardened Global Navigation Satellite System capability) in the face of advanced countermeasures and EM (electromagnetic) spectrum denial, air defense penetration methods to increase probability of successful strike,” the UK Ministry of Defence specified in a solicitation notice.
The missile is expected to have a Technical Readiness Level of at least 8.
Long-Range Missiles in Ukraine
The US-delivered Ground Launched Small Diameter Bomb (GLSDB) is Ukraine’s longest-range missile with a range of up to 150 kilometers (93 miles).
In addition, the US has delivered the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and M270 M270 Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS) to Ukraine, capable of firing the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (GMLRS) up to 80 kilometers (50 miles).
However, the US has held back from providing Ukraine with the longer-range Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) missiles — launched from HIMARS and MLRS — for fear of escalation.
The UK initiative attempts to break the range shackle as Ukraine gears up to launch an anticipated counter-offensive against Russian forces.
Mobility Support
In addition, the fund seeks mobility support, such as “mine rollers and mine plows full width and track width for main battle tanks,” armored vehicle launched bridges and launchers, medium girder bridges, logistical support bridge launchers, reusable bridges, and heavy equipment transporters capable of transporting tanks.
Air Defense
The fund also calls for air defense systems, including sensors for cruise and ballistic missiles and “sensor-guided air defense cannons.”
Additional air defense equipment sought includes “air burst rounds for cannon-based air defense systems” and expeditionary barriers.
The UK Ministry of Defence-administered fund includes the UK, Norway, Netherlands, Denmark, and Sweden.
The last days to respond to the long-range missile and mobility support solicitations are May 4 and 9, respectively.