Ukraine approved for $285M NASAMS sale

The State Department has approved a potential $285 million sale of National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System units to Ukraine, according to a Defense Security Cooperation Agency statement.

The possible sale also includes one AN/MPQ-64F1 Sentinel Radar, a fire distribution center and other assorted equipment. The principal contractor would be Raytheon Missiles and Defense, Tucson, AZ.

“Ukraine has an urgent need to increase its capabilities to defend against Russian missile strikes and aircraft,” DSCA said. “Acquiring and effectively deploying this capability will enhance Ukraine’s ability to defend its people and protect critical national infrastructure.”

Meanwhile, the United States continues to supply Ukraine with billions of dollars in weapons via presidential “drawdowns” directly from U.S. stocks, and can also ink long-term agreements with contractors using funds from the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative.