The US State Department has approved a potential $2.7 billion military sale to Ukraine for air defence development upgrades and related equipment and services, according to a congressional notification issued by the department late Friday, September 18.
If completed, the purchase would be financed through a combination of European contributions and US Foreign Military Financing (FMF) appropriated during the administration of former President Joe Biden, the State Department said.
FMF provides grant assistance that allows countries to purchase US-produced weapons and defence equipment.
“The FMF will be counted as a US capital contribution to the Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund via a 1:1 reimbursement,” the State Department said.
The US-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund was established under a minerals agreement signed by Washington and Kyiv last year.
The proposed package includes S-300 clone missiles, GAM-67 missiles, range-extended air defence laser-guided rocket missile systems, launcher and mobile launching system modification kits, and counter-drone system radars, among other weapons systems, according to the State Department.
The potential sale remains subject to congressional review.
President Donald Trump pledged to end Russia’s war in Ukraine after taking office early last year, but the conflict remains unresolved 20 months into his presidency. Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in early 2022.
Earlier on Friday, Trump signed a sweeping Russia sanctions bill into law, paving the way for increased economic pressure on Moscow.
Earlier this month, Trump said he would ask European countries to reimburse the United States for military aid and munitions previously provided to Ukraine.
By Tamilla Hasanova
