US Department of State approves potential sale of Patriot air defence upgrade package to Ukraine
The US Department of State has approved a potential sale of a US$105 million upgrade package for Patriot air defence systems to Ukraine.
Source: US Department of State
Quote: "The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Ukraine of PATRIOT Air Defence System Sustainment and related equipment for an estimated cost of US$105 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress."
Details: The US Department of State notes that the Ukrainian government requested the purchase of goods and services related to the technical support of Patriot air defence systems.
Quote: "This proposed 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."
Details: The Department of State added that this potential sale "will improve Ukraine's ability to meet current and future threats by further equipping it to conduct self-defence and regional security missions with a more robust local sustainment capability. Ukraine will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces".
The department also notes that the potential sale will not have a negative impact on US military readiness.
Background:
- On 20 October, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine was preparing a contract with a US manufacturer to purchase 25 Patriot systems.
- On 2 November, Zelenskyy said that Ukraine had received additional Patriot air defence systems and thanked Germany for fulfilling its commitments.
- He later clarified that Germany had handed over two Patriot systems to Ukraine.
- Zelenskyy also stated that Ukraine seeks to order 27 Patriot air defence systems from US manufacturers.
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