This collaboration, which also includes European companies, was announced by US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin during the 24th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in the Ramstein format on September 6, 2024.
Ukraine has made strides in mass-producing drones, munitions, and military vehicles, but air defense missile production has lagged behind. As a result, Ukraine remains reliant on Western supplies for air defense after depleting its stockpiles.
Although specifics weren't provided, experts suggest that the cooperation aims to develop a missile compatible with Ukraine's existing Soviet-era systems, such as the S-300. Ukraine still possesses a significant number of S-300 launchers but faces an acute shortage of 5B55 missiles, which are no longer produced or available on the global market.
Ukraine has already taken steps to modernize and localize production elements for the S-300 system, including repairs of 5B55 missiles and developing alternatives for key components like the 48D6 engine. Moreover, Ukraine is advancing projects like the UP-277 missile, aimed at replacing the R-27 air-to-air missile with a medium-range radar-guided alternative.
This cooperation between the US, Ukraine, and European partners underscores the ongoing support for Ukraine's defense needs, focusing on innovative solutions to sustain and modernize the country's Soviet-era systems. The effort will help bolster Ukraine's air defense as the conflict with Russia continues and highlights the West's commitment to providing strategic and technical assistance.
