US Approves Potential Sale of Hawk Missile Support System Worth $108.1 Million to Ukraine

JAKARTA - The United States Department of State on Thursday said it had approved the possible sale of equipment worth 108.1 million US dollars to Ukraine to support the Hawk missile system.

Ukraine requested deployable pole trailers, major modifications and maintenance support, spare parts, consumables, accessories, repair and return support, and engineering, technical, and logistical services from the US Government and contractors for the FrankenSAM HAWK missile system, according to the congressional notice.

The State Department said the proposed sale supports US foreign policy and national security objectives by increasing Ukraine's security, which is described as a partner contributing to political and economic stability in Europe, Anadolu (22/5) reported.

It said the package would improve Ukraine's ability to meet current and future threats by strengthening its integrated air defense capabilities for self-defense and regional security missions.

The department added that Ukraine would have no difficulty absorbing the equipment and services into its armed forces, and that the sale would not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The prime contractor for the program is Sierra Nevada Corporation of Englewood, Colorado.

The State Department said there would be no negative impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of the proposed sale.