In the next package of military aid, the United States of America will transfer radar-guided Sea Sparrow anti-aircraft missiles to Ukraine for the first time.
This is reported by Politico.
"For the first time, the package will include Sea Sparrow anti-aircraft missiles with radar guidance, which can be launched from the sea or from land to intercept aircraft or cruise missiles," the statement said.
According to two sources, the Ukrainian military managed to convert its Buk launchers to use these American missiles.
So far, Taiwan has been the only country to use the land-based version of these missiles, while the US Navy and several allied navies use the ship-based version, it said.
What is known about Sea Sparrow missiles?
This missile is equipped with a semi-active radar homing head. It was developed back in the 60s of the last century, but after that it underwent several modifications. The latest version of the missile - RIM-7P - has an increased range and an autopilot that communicates with the on-board computer via a data transmission channel.
The projectile weighs about 230 kg, and the maximum firing range of this missile is 20-30 km. The height of the damage is from 6 m to 15 km. In addition, the missile is capable of flying at a speed of Mach 3.5. The cost of one such missile is about 165,000 dollars.