US approves possible $2.68 billion weapons sale to Ukraine
The U.S. State Department has approved a possible $2.68 billion Foreign Military Sale to Ukraine covering air-defense upgrades, equipment and related services. The proposed sale, announced on Sept. 18, is still subject to congressional review.
The U.S. State Department has greenlit a potential $2.68 billion arms sale to Ukraine, which includes upgrades to air-defense systems, equipment, and related services. The proposed deal, announced on September 18, is awaiting congressional approval. Ukraine has expressed interest in a variety of equipment, including erectable mast trailers, major modifications, spare parts, consumables, repair-and-return support, software, technical documentation, transportation aid, and engineering, technical, and logistics assistance from the U.S. government and contractors.
If the transaction is completed, Ukraine would cover the costs through a mix of European contributions and U.S. Foreign Military Financing (FMF) funds. The FMF money would be considered a U.S. capital contribution to the Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund via a 1:1 reimbursement system, according to the State Department. The deal aims to bolster Ukraine's defenses against present and future threats, expanding its air-defense capabilities for self-defense and regional security missions.
Washington believes Ukraine will have no trouble incorporating the equipment and services into its armed forces. The sale is not expected to change the regional military balance or negatively impact U.S. defense readiness, the State Department stated. The main contractors will be chosen through competitive bidding processes.
The $2.68 billion package follows Ukraine's request for additional air-defense weapons from both the U.S. and European allies. The State Department has already informed Congress about Germany's plan to transfer 10 U.S.-made MIM-104E Guidance Enhanced Missile-Tactical (GEM-T) interceptors for Patriot air-defense systems to Ukraine.
Since Germany originally obtained the interceptors under American arms-export regulations, Washington must approve the transfer before Berlin can deliver them to Ukraine. The U.S. government asserts that the transfer will bolster Ukraine's air defenses against ongoing Russian assaults.
Written by urgent.news from New Voice of Ukraine's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
