US Approves Arms Sale to Ukraine: Air Defense, Heavy Artillery
The U.S. State Department has approved two major Foreign Military Sales (FMS) packages to Ukraine, totaling an estimated $330 million, to boost the country’s air defense capabilities and artillery sustainment, the Pentagon announced on Wednesday, The Gaze reports.
The first package, valued at $180 million, includes critical support for the maintenance, training, and logistical sustainment of U.S.-origin air defense systems already in Ukraine’s arsenal.
According to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), the deal includes major modifications, spare parts, personnel training, contractor support, and logistics. The primary contractors include Sierra Nevada Corporation and V2X, Inc., alongside Ukrainian firms Radionix and Systems Electronic Export.
“The proposed sale will improve Ukraine’s ability to meet current and future threats by further equipping it to conduct self-defense and regional security missions,” the Pentagon said in a statement.
The second approved sale, worth $150 million, will enhance Ukraine’s ability to maintain and overhaul its fleet of M109 self-propelled howitzers, which were previously provided by the United States and other allies.
The assistance covers refurbishment equipment, training, publications, and logistical support. The lead contractors are BAE Systems, Daimler Truck North America, and Allison Transmission Inc., with all work occurring in Europe.
The U.S. government stressed that both arms deals would “not alter the basic military balance in the region” and that no additional U.S. personnel would be deployed as a result.
Read more on The Gaze: What Specific Military Assistance Does Ukraine Need From Partners?