The British government indicated on Wednesday March 9 that it intended to continue its deliveries of anti-tank missiles to Ukraine after the Russian invasion, as part of the defensive support provided to the country.
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"
In response to Russia's continued aggression, we have increased our supply
" of anti-tank weapons, Defense Minister Ben Wallace told MPs.
Some 3,615 NLAW (man-portable anti-tank missiles) have been delivered "
to date
" and the UK will deliver "
more
", he said, adding that a "
small shipment
" of Javelin anti-tank missiles was also planned.
“
In response to Ukrainian requests, the government has also decided to explore the possibility of donating Starstreak high-speed man-portable missiles
,” he continued.
Ben Wallace assured that these weapons, which make it possible to counter the threat of combat planes or helicopters, remained within the perimeter of “
defensive
” weapons while allowing “
Ukrainians to better defend the air
”.
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“
I want to reassure the House (of Commons) that everything we do is bound by the decisions to provide defensive systems
” to Ukraine, which are “
calibrated not to degenerate at a strategic level
”.
The UK will also increase its supplies of food rations, medical equipment and other "
non-lethal
" military equipment, according to Ben Wallace.