US approves $780M Stinger missile sale to European trio; Ukraine's defense bolstered
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced that Germany, the Netherlands, and Italy got approval to purchase 940 FIM-92K Stinger Block 1 missiles. The agreement also comprises battery cooling systems, metal containers, and operational support elements from the US government. There's a high possibility that Germany will transfer these missiles to Ukraine.
Recall that, at the onset of the conflict, Germany provided Ukraine with 500 Stinger missiles, locally produced under license as Fliegerfaust 2. Similarly, the Netherlands supported Ukraine with 200 missiles, suggesting that they may do so again. The contract has been forwarded to Congress for validation, indicating an increasing interest in American missiles.
The FIM-92 Stinger anti-aircraft missile
The FIM-92 Stinger was introduced in 1981 and quickly gained a reputation as one of the most famous MANPADS (lightweight, shoulder-launched anti-aircraft) globally. It demonstrated its effectiveness in various contexts, including the Afghanistan war, and it currently aids the Ukrainian defense due to the backing of allied countries. The Stinger has an infrared homing system and measures 60 inches long, weighing slightly over 33 pounds, with the missile contributing to 22 pounds of the total weight. The missile can reach targets up to approximately 3 miles away and target altitudes ranging from 620 feet up to 2.4 miles.
