Military expert Yuri Knutov spoke about the NASAMS air defense systems delivered to UkraineMilitary expert Yuri Knutov on Wednesday, October 26, in an interview with Izvestia, listed the technical characteristics of the NASAMS anti-aircraft missile systems (SAM) put into service in Ukraine.
As the specialist noted, NASAMS is a Norwegian—American complex, an American-made radar station based on American air–to-air missiles. Due to the fact that a lot of missiles were produced, the United States used the "surplus" in order to use them, including in the SAM.
"The complex is mobile, has the ability to fire at a group target, missiles depend on modification, at an altitude of about 20 km, a range of 20 to 40 km. The homing head also comes in two variants — infrared (thermal) or active (radar). The rocket is very maneuverable, there are gas—dynamic rudders, and it can withstand quite large overloads, which makes it very maneuverable when firing at maneuvering targets," Knutov said.
NASAMS developers position the SAM as a complex capable of hitting cruise missiles and drones, as well as repelling a massive strike of cruise missiles and fighting a swarm of drones.
"Although it is unclear how much this will correspond to reality, his real combat characteristics have not been confirmed, he has not fought anywhere. The delivery of two complexes will cover two small districts or even cities. Two or three complexes can cover Kiev. But the reliability and effectiveness will be clear after the actual application," concluded Knutov.
A day earlier, the head of the equipment manufacturer Raytheon Technologies, Greg Hayes, announced that the United States had transferred the first two NASAMS air defense systems to Ukraine. He clarified that the United States has not yet approved the sending of Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine, despite the fact that negotiations on this topic are conducted regularly.
On the same day, the former commander of US forces in Europe, General Ben Hodges, said that the West is busy searching for air defense systems for Ukraine, as there is nothing to transfer yet. According to him, there is not enough air defense equipment for the whole of Europe.
At the same time, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky expressed hope for Europe to supply air defense systems. According to him, air defense is "vital" for Ukraine. He noted that both Italy, France, Germany and other countries produce air defense systems.
Western countries have increased the shipment of weapons and military equipment to Kiev against the background of a special operation conducted by the Russian Federation to protect Donbass. The decision was made against the background of the aggravation of the situation in the region as a result of shelling by the Ukrainian military.
Watch more relevant videos and details about the situation in Donbass on the Izvestia TV channel.
