US Army adapting new missiles for AH-1Z Viper helicopters that could be supplied to Ukraine
The US Marine Corps is adapting Red Wolf precision-guided missiles for Bell AH-1Z Viper helicopters. These helicopters could be supplied to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Source: Bell Textron in a release shared with Ukrainska Pravda
Details: The Red Wolf missiles are part of the US Navy's Precision Attack Strike Munition (PASM) programme to develop a new generation of long-range weapons. The system is being developed jointly with the US technology and defence company L3Harris.
Bell Textron said the Red Wolf missile can strike targets at ranges of more than 200 nautical miles (about 370 km), which is a significant improvement over existing helicopter-launched weapons. The system is designed to operate beyond the pilot's line of sight and can continue autonomously towards its target.
The company said the helicopter manufacturer is exploring ways to pursue industrial cooperation with Ukraine's Economy Ministry and UkraineInvest, the Ukrainian government's investment promotion office, for the procurement of UH-1Y and AH-1Z helicopters, which will be equipped with Red Wolf missile launch systems.
Bell Textron said that an AH-1Z equipped with these missiles will give Ukraine unprecedented strike range, providing it with an additional advantage in the air.
Background: It was reported earlier that Germany may transfer some or all of its 21 Sea Lynx shipborne helicopters to Ukraine.
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