The U.S. State Department has approved two proposed military sales to Ukraine, valued at a combined $330 million, to bolster the country’s artillery and air defense systems, the agency announced on July 24. The first package includes 150 M777 Howitzer artillery systems, a critical asset for Ukraine’s ground forces in counteroffensive operations against Russian advances. The second package consists of the NASAMS air defense system, which provides advanced missile defense capabilities to protect Ukrainian airspaces from aerial threats, particularly from Russian drone attacks.
These approved sales are part of the broader U.S. military aid strategy in response to the ongoing conflict in Eastern Europe. The $330 million in military assistance reflects the continued U.S. commitment to supporting Ukraine’s defense capabilities against Russian aggression. The package is expected to be delivered within the next year, with the first shipments likely departing in mid-2024. Analysts note that the military aid is a significant financial commitment, which may have implications for the U.S. defense budget and its global arms trade policies.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized that the new military sales are in line with the goals of strengthening Ukraine’s security and stability, which are essential for regional peace and international security. The U.S. government has been a major supplier of military equipment to Ukraine, with previous aid packages totaling over $35 billion since the start of the war. The latest sales add to this substantial financial and military support, underscoring the deepening U.S. involvement in the conflict.