US State Department approves potential military sales to Ukraine

By Diyar Guldogan

WASHINGTON (AA) - The US State Department approved possible military sales to Ukraine for $330 million, the Pentagon said Thursday.

The package includes M109 self-propelled howitzer maintenance, repair and overhaul capability, and related equipment at an estimated cost of $150 million, and air defense sustainment for $180 million, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said in a statement.

The proposed sales will improve Ukraine’s ability "to meet current and future threats by further equipping it to conduct self-defense and regional security missions," it added.

The agency approved the sale Wednesday of two military assistance packages to Ukraine worth $322 million, including HAWK Phase III air defense systems and their maintenance, and Bradley infantry fighting vehicles and their repair.