The U.S. State Department has approved the sale to Ukraine of equipment and services to support and maintain U.S.-made air defense systems worth up to $180 million.
This was reported by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (a structure of the State Department).
“The Government of Ukraine has requested to buy equipment and services to support the training, sustainment, and refurbishment measures of existing U.S.-origin air defense systems,” the agency stated.
The order includes: major repairs and technical maintenance; spare parts, consumables, and accessories; equipment repair and return; personnel training; engineering, technical, and logistical services, among others.
This deal “will help achieve the U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives by enhancing the security of a partner country that is a driving force for political stability and economic progress in Europe,” the document says.
It is emphasized that the agreement will help the Armed Forces of Ukraine “more effectively respond to current and future threats” thanks to “more powerful air defense capabilities.”
The main contractors will be the American companies Sierra Nevada Corporation, V2X, and the Ukrainian companies Radionix and Systems Electronic Export.
The document does not specify who will pay or reimburse the costs under the agreement.
“At this time, the U.S. Government is not aware of any offset agreement proposed in connection with this potential sale. Any offset agreement will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and the contractor,” the agency noted.
