US approves potential sale of air-launched cruise missiles to Ukraine
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A service member of the Ukrainian Armed Forces prepares mortar shells near the frontline town of Kostiantynivka, in Ukraine on Aug 26.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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WASHINGTON - The US State Department has approved a potential sale of air-launched cruise missiles and related equipment to Ukraine for an estimated US$825 million (S$1.06 billion), the Pentagon said on Aug 28.
The potential sale of 3,350 Extended Range Attack Munition (ERAM) missiles includes GPS guidance kits and electronic warfare defences for the weapons, which have a range of "several hundred" miles according to one of the manufacturers.
Kyiv came under massive attack from Russia on Aug 28
The potential sale is being funded under the Jump Start programme by Denmark, Norway, and the Netherlands, with additional funding via the US Foreign Military Financing programme, a person familiar with the deal said.
The package also includes support equipment, mission planning software, spares, and technical support, the Pentagon said.
The Pentagon's Defence Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of the possible sale on Aug 28, adding: "This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a partner country that is a force for political stability and economic progress in Europe."
Despite approval by the State Department, the notification does not indicate that a contract has been signed or that negotiations have concluded.
The Pentagon said Zone 5 Technologies and CoAspire were the prime contractors for the weapons. REUTERS
