The U.S. State Department has approved a potential $108.1 million sale of equipment to sustain Ukraine’s Hawk missile system.
The approval, announced Thursday, covers parts and support to keep the aging surface-to-air missiles operational. Ukraine would use the equipment to maintain its Hawk batteries, which provide medium-range air defense against Russian missiles, drones, and aircraft.
The proposed sale would not affect the military balance in the region nor the defense readiness of the United States, the department said.
The State Department described the package as necessary to help Ukraine defend its airspace.
“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 and economic stability in Europe,” the department said….