WASHINGTON, October 31. /TASS/. The United States has approved the sale to Ukraine of 500 PAC-3 missiles for the American-made Patriot PAC-3 air defense system, along with related equipment, for $2.1 billion.
The US Department of State and the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), a Pentagon agency responsible for foreign military sales under government-to-government agreements, announced the decision.
The statement noted that the purchase would be "funded entirely by partners and allies." The delivery will include "PAC-3 MSE classified and unclassified spare parts; and other related elements of logistics and program support."
According to Washington, "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."
US authorities said Ukraine would pay for the missiles with funds provided by Canada, Germany and Norway, as well as through an EU loan. "No US funds are involved in this sale," the statement said. The US authorities also said that "the proposed sale will improve Ukraine's capability to meet current and future threats by improving its integrated air and missile defense capability."
The missiles will be supplied to Ukraine by Lockheed Martin, one of the Pentagon’s key contractors. The statement said that implementing the deal "will not require the assignment of any additional US Government or contractor representatives to Ukraine," and that there will be no adverse impact on US defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.
The US administration has already notified Congress of the decision. Lawmakers now have 30 days to review the agreement and potentially block it.