U.S. Okays Sale Of $138-M Hawk Missile Systems To Ukraine

The US State Department has approved Ukraine's emergency request to buy spare parts and services for its Hawk missile systems, as Kyiv continues to call on international partners for weapons as its arsenal empties amid its defense against Russia's invasion, Darryl Coote reported for United Press International (UPI).

The emergency foreign military sale worth some $138 million was approved by Secretary of State Antony Blinken. I Photo: Blouw, Henk; Dutch Ministry of Defence

Secretary of State Antony Blinken approved the emergency foreign military sale, worth some $138 million, the State Department said in a statement.

"The secretary of state has determined and provided detailed justification that an emergency exists that requires the immediate sale to the government of Ukraine of the above defense articles and services in the national security interests of the United States," the statement said.

The money will pay for engineering and integration for communications, refurbishment and overhaul of the HAWK system, tool kits, equipment tests, and support, as well as spare parts and training, the statement said.

"Ukraine has an urgent need to increase its capabilities to defend against Russian missile strikes and the aerial capabilities of Russian forces," the State Department said.

"Maintaining and sustaining the HAWK missile system will enhance Ukraine's ability to defend its people and protect critical national infrastructure."

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