U.S. Approves $108 Million Package to Sustain Ukraine HAWK Air Defense Systems

S. 1 million hardware and sustainment package for Ukraine's HAWK surface-to-air missile systems on Thursday. The sale covers long-term support items including erectable mast trailers, technical modifications, spare parts, consumables, software support, and contractor engineering services. It does not include new missile batteries or launchers.

The HAWK system, whose name stands for "Homing All the Way Killer," is designed to intercept aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles at ranges of 25 to 30 miles. -designed systems in late 2022 through a $400 million security assistance package. S. authorized an additional foreign military sale for a HAWK Phase III upgrade and related sustainment.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency has notified Congress of the latest package. The transaction is expected to proceed, with Colorado-based Sierra Nevada Corp. performing most of the work. Russia launched more than 1,500 drones and missiles against Ukrainian cities in a 48-hour period earlier this month, following a three-day ceasefire that had been backed by President Trump.

"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 and economic stability in Europe," the State Department statement said.