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UK orders thousands of new anti-tank weapons to restock amid Ukraine war

Wednesday, 07 December 2022 6:53 PM [ Last Update: Wednesday, 07 December 2022 7:16 PM ]

Britain has ordered thousands of new anti-tank weapons in a £229-million contract. (Illustrative photo)

UK Defense Secretary Ben Wallace says thousands of new anti-tank weapons have been ordered by the British government as part of a £229-million contract with a Swedish arms manufacturer to replenish supplies amid the war in Ukraine.

Wallace said Wednesday the Next-generation Light Anti-tank Weapon (NLAW) systems have played an important role in supporting Ukraine. The contract was signed with Swedish manufacturer Saab.

The British official said the country is implementing Britain's commitments to NATO in cooperation with its first-class industrial partners, and that the country must ensure the British armed forces have a steady supply of these weapons in the coming years.

The NLAW is a shoulder-launched missile system that can be used by a soldier to take out a protected main modern tank from a distance of 20 meters to 800 meters.

UK shoring up support for Ukraine with 1,000 surface-to-air missiles

The UK announces stepping up its support for Ukraine against Russia by outfitting Kiev with 1,000 surface-to-air missiles.

The weapons are assembled at the Thales facility in Belfast, Northern Ireland, before delivery to the military.

Several thousand units will be delivered to the UK Armed Forces during 2024-2026. And 500 units will be available through a separate procurement for delivery in 2023.

According to the British Ministry of Defence, the lightness and agility, reliability, and accuracy of the units have been an important feature in “Ukraine's battle against Russia.” They form part of the 10,000 anti-tank weapons supplied by the UK to the Ukrainian armed forces since the war began in late February.

The ministry said it will continue to actively engage with its allies and partners to support Ukraine.

Since the beginning of the war, Britain has provided thousands of weapons to the armed forces of Ukraine.

Wallace recently announced the UK is sending advanced AMRAAM air defense missiles to Ukraine.

In August, the ministry said it would send more multiple-launch missile systems and precision-guided missiles to Ukraine.

Russia says arming the ex-Soviet republic in such a fashion would only prolong the war.

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