The US State Department has approved a potential sale of air-to-surface missiles and related equipment to Ukraine worth an estimated $825 million, the Pentagon announced, quoted by world agencies and BTA.
A Pentagon statement specifies that the Ukrainian authorities have requested up to 3,350 ERAM (Extended Range Attack Munition) missiles from the US, as well as navigation systems and means to counter electronic jamming. In addition, Washington is ready to sell Kiev various equipment related to these missiles. Ukraine could pay for the weapons with funds provided by Denmark, the Netherlands and Norway, as well as money previously allocated by the United States.
The statement stressed that "the possible sale would be consistent with US foreign policy and national security objectives" as it "would strengthen the country's security". It added that the weapons "would expand Ukraine's ability to respond to current and future threats".
The US administration has already notified Congress of its decision to approve the possible sale of these systems. The legislature has 30 days to review the potential deal and block it if it deems it necessary.
The Wall Street Journal reported last week that Ukraine is expected to receive the missiles within six weeks. According to the publication, approval of the sale of these weapons was postponed until US President Donald Trump meets with Russian leader Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.