Ukraine to Receive Sea Sparrow Missiles from Belgium

Ukraine is set to receive Sea Sparrow surface-to-air missiles from Belgium, originally purchased from Germany.

L’Echo outlet reported this development.

Belgium acquired eight Sea Sparrow missiles from Germany, initially using them on its Bremen-class frigates, with each missile valued at approximately €7,000.

The specific platform for Ukraine's use of these missiles has yet to be disclosed. However, it's worth noting that Ukraine and Poland are collaborating to integrate Sea Sparrow missiles into the 9А310 TELAR component of the Buk missile system.

Sea Sparrow missiles operate on a semi-active radar homing guidance principle, requiring a radar-equipped launch platform, typically a warship, to detect and track the target.

Though the naval version of these missiles shares specs with their aviation counterparts, their range takes a breather, halving its effectiveness due to launch logistics.

In addition to the missiles, the Belgian government plans to provide Ukraine with equipment valued at €150 million, further bolstering their support for Ukraine alongside other ongoing projects.