The U.S. State Department announced Tuesday that it has authorized an emergency $138 million foreign military sale to Ukraine for repairs to the Hawk missile system.
“Ukraine has an urgent need to strengthen its ability to defend against Russian missile attacks and Russian military aviation capabilities. Maintaining and sustaining the Hawk missile system will protect its population and protect critical national infrastructure. Ukraine’s ability to protect will be strengthened.” The State Department said in a release: Sales announcement.
According to the Associated Press, the Hawk is a medium-range surface-to-air missile system that provides air defense.
The memo says the funding will go toward engineering and integration for system communications, system refurbishment, toolkits and test equipment, spare parts, training and other U.S. assistance.
The department said the aid “supports the foreign policy and national security objectives” of the United States to improve the security of partner countries.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Tuesday that the “outcome of the conflict” between Ukraine and Russia “will have global implications” for U.S. security, according to the Associated Press.
The announcement came days after Russian airstrikes hit Ukraine’s second-largest city, Kharkiv, on Saturday night. Initial reports indicated that at least six people were killed and buildings were damaged. The Ukrainian military said its air defense forces had destroyed 28 of 32 drones and three of six missiles launched by Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy warned this week that Ukraine would “lose the war” if U.S. lawmakers don’t pass more funding. If Ukraine fails, it could draw other European countries and the United States into war.
The State Department said it waived “congressional review requirements” under the Arms Export Control Act because funding the Hawk system is in the best interest of the United States. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency submitted the required notice to Congress on Tuesday about the potential sale.
Employees in Andover, Massachusetts, and Huntsville, Alabama, will work on system equipment that will eventually make its way to Ukraine. Several representatives will travel to Europe to help with “training and sustainment.”
The agency said the $138 million figure is an estimate and “the total amount is likely to be lower, depending on final requirements, budget authority, and contracted sales amounts.” [agreements]”
The Hill has reached out to the State Department for further comment.
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