US State Department approves sale of more than 3,000 ERAM missiles to Ukraine
The Ukrainian government has asked the US to provide up to 3,350 missiles, as well as guidance systems for them, and now has the US State Department's approval.
The US State Department has approved the sale to Ukraine of more than 3,000 ERAM (Extended Range Rocket) missiles and related logistics services for $825 million, according to the Pentagon's Security Cooperation Agency, which is responsible for providing military equipment and weapons abroad under intergovernmental contracts, TASS news agency reported.
According to the statement, the Ukrainian government had previously requested the US to provide up to 3,350 of these missiles, along with guidance systems and jamming equipment to equip them. In addition, Washington is ready to sell Kiev a variety of equipment related to these missiles. Ukraine can use funds provided by Denmark, the Netherlands and Norway, as well as funds previously allocated by the US, to pay for these weapons.
The document stressed that “the proposed sale would be consistent with the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States” as it “would enhance the security of the partner country.” The agency believes the weapons in question “will enhance Ukraine’s ability to respond to current and future threats.”
The US administration has notified Congress of its decision to approve the potential sale of the systems. The legislature has 30 days to review the potential deal and possibly block it.
Ukraine is expected to receive the missiles within six weeks, the Wall Street Journal reported last week, citing sources. Approval of the sale has been delayed until a meeting between US President Donald Trump, Russian leader Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the newspaper said.
