US greenlights potential HAWK air defense package sale for Ukraine
Photo: HAWK air defense system (Getty Images)
The US Department of State has decided to approve the potential sale of equipment for the HAWK surface-to-air missile system to Ukraine. The estimated cost of the package is $108.1 million.
According to the announcement, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has requested:
- Procurement of prefabricated mast trailers
- Overhaul and maintenance
- Spare parts, consumables, and components, as well as repair and return services
- Engineering and technical support from the US government and contractors
- Other related elements of logistical and program support for the FrankenSAM HAWK air defense system.
Sierra Nevada Corporation will serve as the prime contractor for this project.
"This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a partner country that is a force for political and economic stability in Europe," the State Department states.
It also added that the sale will improve Ukraine's ability to counter current and future threats, noting that the Ukrainian side "will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces."
Background
In February, the US State Department also approved a potential sale of $185 million worth of military equipment to Ukraine. A press release stated that the Cabinet of Ministers had requested the purchase of equipment for vehicles and weapon systems supplied by the US Army.
That same month, US Permanent Representative to NATO Matthew Whitaker stated that Washington would provide Kyiv with offensive weapons until a peace agreement is signed.
