US greenlights potential Starlink services and Patriot gear for Ukraine
MIM-104 Patriot surface-to-air missile system (Photo: Getty Images)
The US Department of State has approved the sale to Ukraine of Starlink satellite communication services and equipment, as well as Patriot air defense systems, according to the website of the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA).
According to the Pentagon, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine requested the purchase of extended satellite communication services for its Starlink terminals.
The services will include, among other things, engineering, technical, and logistical support from the US government and contractors, as well as other related logistics and software support elements.
The total estimated cost of the services is $150 million.
The primary contractor for this agreement will be Starlink Services.
At this time, the US government is not aware of any offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale. Any offset arrangements will be determined during negotiations between the buyer and the contractor.
Support for Patriot systems
In addition, the US Department of State approved the sale to Ukraine of maintenance services for Patriot air defense systems and related equipment, with an estimated value of $179.1 million.
The service package will include:
- Classified and unclassified spare parts;
- Software and updates;
- Modification kits;
- Test equipment;
- Communication systems;
- Integration services;
- Equipment repair and return;
- Storage;
- Tools and equipment;
- Field Surveillance and International Engineering Services programs;
- Technical assistance from US government representatives and contractors;
- Training, engineering, and logistical support;
- Technical documentation;
- Other logistics and software support elements.
The primary contractors for this agreement are RTX Corporation and Lockheed Martin.
According to the DSCA, the sale of equipment and services under both agreements will support US foreign policy and national security interests by strengthening the security of a partner country that is a force for political stability and economic development in Europe.
Furthermore, the sale of services and equipment will enhance Ukraine’s capabilities to counter both current and future threats, enable more effective self-defense and regional security operations, and strengthen the country’s air defense potential.
It is expected that the Armed Forces of Ukraine will be able to seamlessly integrate the provided equipment and services into their structure. The agreements will not affect the military balance of forces in the region.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency has submitted the required certification notification to Congress for both of the agreements mentioned above.
Military aid for Ukraine
On Thursday, August 28, the US approved a military aid package for Ukraine worth $825 million. It included over 3,000 extended-range ERAM missiles and the same number of GPS/INS modules.
Recently, Germany agreed to fund an American weapons package for Ukraine worth $500 million as part of the NATO PURL initiative.
According to media reports, the Ukrainian Air Forces may have received an additional battery of the German Iris-T SLM air defense system.
