U.S. Approves $322M Sale of Weapons to Ukraine
The U.S. Department of State has approved two major Foreign Military Sales (FMS) packages to Ukraine, totaling approximately $322 million, The Gaze reports.
The packages include HAWK Phase III air defense systems with sustainment support and a separate package for the refurbishment and maintenance of Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) confirmed on July 23 that it had notified Congress of the proposed sale of the HAWK Phase III Missile System and related equipment, with an estimated cost of $172 million.
“The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Ukraine of HAWK Phase III Missile System and Sustainment and related equipment for an estimated cost of $172 million,” the DSCA said in an official statement.
“This proposed sale will improve Ukraine’s capability to meet current and future threats by further equipping it to conduct self-defense and regional security missions with a more robust air defense capability.”
The Ukrainian government had requested various sustainment-related items and services for the HAWK system, including spare parts, missile repairs, cargo trucks, training, refurbishment, technical assistance, and logistics support.
The DSCA emphasized that this sale will help Ukraine strengthen its air defense and will not affect the military balance in the region.
The principal contractors for the HAWK package are Sielman Corporation (Greece), RTX Corporation (Massachusetts), and PROJECTXYZ (Alabama).
The program will also involve short-term deployments of U.S. government and contractor personnel to Ukraine to assist with implementation.
In addition to the HAWK system, a second package—also approved on July 23—covers the sustainment and refurbishment of Bradley Fighting Vehicles previously provided to Ukraine.
This portion of the assistance is valued at roughly $150 million, bringing the combined total of both packages to $322 million.
Read more on The Gaze: What Specific Military Assistance Does Ukraine Need From Partners?