The proposed package includes missiles, counter-drone radars, launchers and support equipment, but the deal remains subject to congressional review.
WEB DESK: The United States has approved a possible $2.68 billion Foreign Military Sale to Ukraine aimed at upgrading the country’s air defence capabilities, according to the US State Department.
The proposed package includes air defence missiles, counter-drone radars, launchers, modification kits, spare parts, software and technical and logistical support. The sale is not yet final and remains subject to congressional review.
What is included in the package?
According to the State Department notification to Congress, Ukraine requested several categories of air defence equipment.
The proposed package includes S-300 Clone missiles, GAM-67 missiles, range-extended laser-guided air defence missile systems, mobile launcher modification kits and RPS-202 counter-unmanned-aircraft-system radars. It also includes related trailers, spare parts, software, transportation and engineering and logistics support.
The equipment is intended to strengthen Ukraine’s ability to detect and counter Russian drones and missile attacks.
Deal still requires congressional review
Despite the State Department’s approval, the transaction has not yet been completed.
The notification represents approval of a possible Foreign Military Sale, while the proposed deal remains subject to review by the US Congress.
The distinction is important: the announcement does not mean that Ukraine has already received the full package or that the $2.68 billion transaction has been concluded.
European contributions and US funding
If the purchase proceeds, Ukraine would finance it through a combination of European contributions and US Foreign Military Financing (FMF) funds appropriated during the previous US administration.
The State Department said the FMF component would be credited as a US capital contribution to the US-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund through a one-to-one reimbursement mechanism.
The arrangement comes as Washington has continued to seek greater financial participation from European countries in supporting Ukraine’s defence.
Ukraine faces continuing aerial attacks
The proposed package comes as Ukraine continues to face large-scale Russian drone and missile attacks.
Reuters reported that Russia has intensified its use of drones, including newer jet-powered systems that are more difficult for Ukrainian forces to intercept. Ukraine has been seeking additional air defence interceptors and alternative technologies to address the growing aerial threat.
Reuters also reported that Russia has increasingly used modified training missiles in combat, adding further pressure to Ukraine’s limited stocks of Western-made interceptors.
US says sale would not alter regional military balance
The State Department said the proposed transaction would improve Ukraine’s ability to address current and future threats while not altering the basic military balance in the region.
The department also said implementation would not require the deployment of additional US government or contractor personnel to Ukraine.
Wider defence cooperation
The announcement comes amid broader efforts by Ukraine and European partners to strengthen air and missile defence capabilities.
Poland recently joined an anti-ballistic missile coalition involving Ukraine and other regional partners, with the group exploring development of an alternative to existing systems such as the US Patriot.
For Kyiv, the latest proposed US package would add another layer to its efforts to protect cities, infrastructure and military facilities from Russia’s continuing aerial campaign.
