The United States has formally approved a $322 million weapons sale to Ukraine, aimed at strengthening the country’s defense against continued Russian military aggression. The announcement was made by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), which notified Congress of two separate arms packages on Tuesday.
The State Department authorized the sale as part of ongoing U.S. support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial defense.
Two-Part Defense Package
The approved deal includes:
- $172 million for the transfer and refurbishment of HAWK Phase III surface-to-air missile systems, intended to improve Ukraine’s ability to counter aerial threats such as drones, cruise missiles, and fixed-wing aircraft.
- $150 million for maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) of Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles, to help Ukraine sustain combat vehicle operations and reduce dependence on external repair hubs.
The DSCA emphasized in its statement that both packages are critical to “enhancing the survivability and operational readiness of Ukraine’s defensive forces.”
Congressional Oversight and Delivery Timeline
The deal must undergo a review process in Congress, which typically has 15 to 30 days to raise objections or request modifications. Barring significant opposition, the sale is expected to move forward swiftly under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program.
No U.S. troops will be involved in the delivery or deployment of the systems, officials confirmed.
Strategic Context
This latest arms sale comes amid heightened calls in Washington for continued support to Kyiv. Pentagon officials underscored that the HAWK systems and Bradley vehicle support are tailored to Ukraine’s immediate tactical needs, particularly in defending urban infrastructure and frontline troop positions.
Senior defense officials said the maintenance package will help Ukraine improve in-theater service capabilities, enabling quicker redeployment of damaged vehicles and reducing logistical bottlenecks.
The Biden administration and NATO allies have previously stressed the importance of enabling Ukraine’s self-sufficiency in maintaining and operating U.S.-made military hardware.
Bipartisan Support Remains Firm
While broader funding for Ukraine remains a point of debate among U.S. lawmakers, arms transfers through FMS channels have consistently garnered bipartisan support. Senate Armed Services Committee Chair Jack Reed (D-RI) described the move as “vital to protecting Ukraine’s democracy and deterring further Russian escalation in Europe.”
House Foreign Affairs Committee members echoed that sentiment, saying the delivery of air defense and combat systems reflects a shared transatlantic commitment to security in the region.
