Ukraine may purchase Harpoon anti-ship missiles from the United States. On Monday, December 20, in an interview with UNIAN, the commander of the country’s naval forces, Rear Admiral Alexei Neizhpapa, said this.
“I know that we are moving forward and nothing will turn us off this path. Whoever wants what, Ukraine already has missile weapons. And there will be more, ”he said.
According to him, Ukraine intends to adopt the first division of the coastal-based missile system “Neptune” in the spring of 2022.
In addition, the rear admiral added that part of the equipment for the Neptune coastal complex has already been purchased and the first battery of these missiles has been manufactured.
As Neizhpapa said, in addition to the coastal-based Neptune complex, Ukraine already has a platform for testing a version of this sea-based complex.
“We already have an offshore test platform that will host the first samples of Neptune. This is necessary in order to accommodate the future naval version of “Neptune” – he explained.
The Harpoon anti-ship missile was first developed in 1977 in the United States. Since then, they have continued to actively produce it, periodically modernizing it. The missile remains in service with the US Navy and Air Force. Its maximum firing range, depending on the carrier, modification and purpose, is from 90 to 220 km.
“Harpoon” exists in three versions: aircraft and ship-based, as well as for launching from submarines.
On December 7, Ukraine sent a request to the allies for additional weapons, material assistance, as well as for training the country’s air force and navy.
Against the background of the upcoming December 7 conversation between US President Joe Biden and Russian leader Vladimir Putin, Ukrainian Defense Minister Alexei Reznikov said that he would advise the US head to clearly convey to the Russian President that in this situation, Ukraine is the “red line” for the Russian Federation.
On November 30, Ukraine conducted tests of the “Island” type boats from the United States in the Black Sea. The boats arrived in Odessa on November 23. They are designed for patrolling and search and rescue operations in coastal waters. The US embassy said the boats “would help strengthen Ukraine’s maritime security,” as well as enhance the Ukrainian Navy’s interoperability with NATO.
On November 21, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stressed that the North Atlantic Alliance must stop provocative activities near the borders of the Russian Federation, and also stop “pumping up Ukraine with modern weapons.” He added that the West is artificially whipping up hysteria.
Source: IZ
Jane Stock is a technology author, who has written for 24 Hours World. She writes about the latest in technology news and trends, and is always on the lookout for new and innovative ways to improve his audience’s experience.
