US approves possible $2.68 billion air defense sale to Ukraine
The U.S. State Department has approved a possible $2.68 billion sale of air defense weapons and equipment to Ukraine, including S-300 clone missiles and systems designed to upgrade the country's air defenses.
The proposed sale would be financed through European contributions and U.S. Foreign Military Financing funds approved under the previous U.S. administration, according to the State Department.
Ukraine has requested S-300 clone missiles, GAM-67 missiles, extended-range laser-guided air defense missile systems, Improvised Transporter Erector Launcher 1.5 systems, mobile launcher upgrade kits and RPS-202 radar systems.
The package would also include software, transportation support and other equipment and services.
The State Department said Ukraine would have “no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces” and that the proposed sale would not alter the basic military balance in the region.
Foreign Military Financing funds used for the purchase would be credited on a one-to-one basis as a U.S. capital contribution to the U.S.-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund.