US announces $138 million in sales to bolster Ukraine’s HAWK air defense system

The U.S. State Department announced Tuesday that it has approved a potential emergency $138 million in foreign military sales to Ukraine for repairs to its HAWK missile systems.

“Ukraine has an urgent need to increase its capabilities to defend against Russian missile strikes and the aerial capabilities of Russian forces. Maintaining and sustaining the HAWK missile system will enhance Ukraine’s ability to defend its people and protect critical national infrastructure,” the State Department said in a release announcing the sale.

The HAWK is a medium-range surface-to-air missile system that provides air defense, The Associated Press reported.

The money will go toward engineering and integration for the system’s communications, refurbishment of the system, tool kits and test equipment, spare parts, training and other U.S. support, the memo said.

The department said the aid will “support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives” of the U.S. because it will improve the security of a partner country.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Tuesday that the “outcome of the conflict” between Ukraine and Russia “will have global implications” for America’s security, the AP reported.

The announcement comes just days after Russian airstrikes hit Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, overnight Saturday. Initial reports found at least six people died and buildings were damaged. Ukraine’s military said its air defenses destroyed 28 out of 32 drones and three of the six missiles launched by Russia.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned this week that Ukraine will “lose the war” if U.S. lawmakers do not pass more funding. If Ukraine fails, it could potentially drag other European countries and the U.S. into a war.

The State Department said the funding for the HAWK system is in the best interest of the U.S., so it waived the “congressional review requirements” under the Arms Export Control Act. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the necessary notice to Congress of the possible sale on Tuesday.

Employees from Andover, Mass., and Huntsville, Ala., will be working on the system equipment that will eventually head to Ukraine. Several representatives will travel to Europe to support “training and sustainment.”

The agency said the $138 million is an estimation and the total number will likely be lower “depending on final requirements, budget authority, and signed sales [agreements].”

U.S. assistance is critical to ensure Ukraine’s HAWK systems remain functional during the war, a State Department spokesperson said in a statement to The Hill.

Without funding, Ukraine’s military equipment is degrading. The department emphasized it is imperative that Congress approves the national security supplemental so Ukraine can continue to defend itself, the spokesperson said in the statement.