On August 29, 2023, the US Department of Defence launched a $250 Million additional military aid package to strengthen Ukraine's defence capabilities. The US will deliver AIM-9M short-range air-to-air missiles to Ukraine. The missile is known for its infrared homing capability, part of the Sidewinder missile family, which has been in service since the 1950s.
The AIM-9M variant, in particular, has enhanced infrared countermeasures, and an improved guidance system is used in close-air combat scenarios to track and attack an enemy based on their heat signature.
The U.S. has made more than $43 billion in military aid to Ukraine since Russia's attack in February 2022.
The US Department of Defence, on August 31, on the other hand, awarded Raytheon a $192 million contract to acquire AMRAAM (Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles) missiles for Ukraine.
The AMRAAM-type AIM-120 missile is equipped with an active radar guidance system. The operational range varies from 75 to 160 km, depending on the specific model.
