Ukraine is actively seeking the implementation of the FrankenSAM project from the United States due to a lack of air defense systems, according to The New York Times.
As winter approaches, Ukrainian authorities are desperate for reinforcements in their air defense capabilities. In response to this, Kiev is willing to experiment with a “monstrous weapons system” known as the FrankenSAM program, as described by US officials, reports the NYT.
The article highlights that this program combines advanced Western-made surface-to-air missiles with modified launchers or radars from Soviet times, which are already in possession of the Ukrainian army. It is noted that these improvised air defense systems have undergone testing at US bases for several months. According to the NYT, they are expected to be delivered to Ukraine during the fall.
The FrankenSAM program involves the development and production of improvised anti-aircraft missile complexes using components and parts from Ukrainian, US, and allied stockpiles. Decommissioned anti-aircraft missiles are used as ammunition for these systems.
On October 27th, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that he had a conversation with the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, in which they discussed further cooperation in defense and the strengthening of air defense systems.
Prior to this, Ukraine’s Minister for Strategic Industries, Alexander Kamyshin, stated that Kiev intends to collaborate with the United States in the production of air defense systems, and work in this direction has already begun.
Earlier in the United States, one of the greatest threats to the Ukrainian Armed Forces was identified.
