Ecuador to supply U.S. with Osa-AKM anti-aircraft missile systems, which Ukraine may potentially receive
Anti-aircraft missile complex Osa-AKM of the Ecuadorian military (photo: CE-EAAC / Air Force of Ecuador)
The Ecuadorian Air Force is preparing to transfer six Osa-AKM type MAPO 9M33 anti-aircraft missile systems to the United States. According to the plan, these air defense systems will then be provided to Ukraine, inform Infodefensa.com and Militarnyi.
The article mentions that the agreement involves the transfer of new American systems to Ecuador, the models and types of which are not disclosed. Additionally, the agreement includes training, support, supply of components, and ongoing technical assistance.
The current condition of the Osa-AKM anti-aircraft missile systems that are to be transferred to the American side is also unknown at this time.
In total, the Ground Forces and Air Force of Ecuador possess 12 complexes of the 9K33 Osa-AKM, which were previously purchased by the country from Ukraine.
Earlier information surfaced about an agreement between the countries to exchange old Soviet-era weaponry, with a total value of 200 million dollars, for modern equipment. This agreement was expected to be completed by the end of January of the current year.
Ecuador's military arsenal includes many examples of systems and ammunition manufactured during the Soviet era or in Russia. This includes heavy weaponry such as RPG-7 grenade launchers and AGS-17 automatic grenade launchers. Additionally, Quito possesses a wide range of Soviet anti-aircraft weaponry (anti-aircraft machine guns ZPU-1/2/4, automatic cannons ZU-23-2, portable anti-aircraft complexes Igla and Strela-2).
What preceded
It was previously reported that Russia had recently resolved a "trade war" with Ecuador through military assistance to Ukraine. In the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the aggressor country, it was stated that the decision of Quito was allegedly made under the supposed pressure of external forces.
At the same time, the official authorities of Ecuador did not announce that they plan to transfer to the USA. However, according to public information, the Ecuadorian army has Soviet equipment in its arsenal:
- BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launcher system - 18 units;
- Osa anti-aircraft missile system - 10 units;
- ZPU-1 and ZPU-2 anti-aircraft machine gun mounts - 128 units;
- ZU-23 anti-aircraft mount - 34 units;
- Mi-8 helicopters - 3 units;
- Mi-171E helicopters - 2 units;
- Portable anti-aircraft missile systems Strela-2 and Igla.
Moscow also demanded that the Ministry of Agriculture of Ecuador suspend the certification of bananas.
