Ukraine may purchase Harpoon anti-ship missiles from the United States. This was announced on Monday, December 20, in an interview with the UNIAN news agency by the commander of the country's Navy, Rear Admiral Alexei Neizhpapa.
"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 Neptune coastal-based missile system 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 Neptune coastal-based complex, Ukraine already has a platform for testing a variant of this sea-based complex.
"We already have a marine test platform on which the first samples of the Neptune will be placed. This is necessary in order to accommodate the future marine version of the Neptune," he explained.
The Harpoon anti-ship missile was first developed in 1977 in the USA. Since then, it has continued to be actively produced, periodically modernizing. 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: aviation 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 training of the country's Air Force and Navy.
Against the background of the upcoming conversation between US President Joe Biden and Russian Leader Vladimir Putin on December 7, Ukrainian Defense Minister Alexei Reznikov said that he would advise the US president to clearly convey to the Russian president that in the current situation, Ukraine is the "red line" for the Russian Federation.
On November 30, Ukraine conducted tests of 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 American Embassy stated that these boats "will help strengthen the maritime security of Ukraine," as well as increase the operational compatibility of the Ukrainian Navy with NATO.
On November 21, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stressed that the North Atlantic Alliance needs to stop provocative activities near the borders of the Russian Federation, as well as stop "pumping Ukraine with modern weapons." He added that the West is artificially whipping up hysteria.