US OKs possible Patriot sustainment sale to Ukraine for $179.1M

US OKs possible Patriot sustainment sale to Ukraine for $179.1M

The United States Department of State has approved a potential sustainment sale of Patriot missile systems to Ukraine, valued at $179.1 million. The announcement follows a series of international efforts to bolster Ukraine's air defense capabilities against Russian aggression.

The sale, which includes components and upgrades for the Patriot systems currently in use by Ukraine, is aimed at enhancing the country's ability to counter missile and drone threats. This latest development comes as part of a broader international support initiative, with Norway and Germany already contributing to Ukraine's air defense through financial and equipment support.

Norway has pledged around 7 billion Norwegian kroner (approximately $685 million) to strengthen Ukraine’s air defense, with a significant portion allocated to the procurement of two American-made Patriot systems [1]. Germany, in turn, has committed to funding the acquisition of German-made TRML-4D air defense radars and Typhon-2 systems from Norway's Kongsberg [2].

The U.S. approval for the sustainment sale underscores the ongoing commitment of the international community to support Ukraine's defense efforts. The 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 stability and economic progress in Europe," according to the State Department.

This development aligns with Ukraine's urgent need for advanced tracking systems and missile defense capabilities. The sale is part of a larger trend of international military support for Ukraine, with allies including Canada, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden pledging contributions through the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) initiative [3].

References:
[1] https://united24media.com/latest-news/ukraine-to-get-two-more-patriot-air-defense-systems-backed-by-germany-and-norway-11021
[2] https://www.riotimesonline.com/norway-and-germany-finance-new-patriot-systems-for-ukraine/
[3] https://news.az/news/us-approves-825-million-eram-missile-sale-to-ukraine