U.S. Department of State Approves Sale of Long-Range Missiles to Ukraine: A Significant Step in Strengthening the Country’s Defense Capabilities
The official approval from the U.S.
Department of Defense paves the way for Ukraine to receive a substantial supply of modern weaponry, notably the long-range ERAM missiles.
This new agreement, currently in the approval stage, envisions the delivery of over three thousand missiles, along with associated equipment and systems, greatly enhancing Ukraine’s military defensive capabilities amid increasing geopolitical challenges and regional security concerns.According to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), the contract valued at approximately $825 million includes the provision of 3,350 Extended Range Attack Munition (ERAM) missiles with extended range and precision capabilities, along with necessary container systems, launch units, supporting hardware, spare parts, software for weapon management, mission planning systems, classified and open technical documentation, training materials, and logistical support.The State Department emphasizes that this move is a critical element of U.S.
foreign policy aimed at regional stability and supporting Ukraine’s efforts to defend its sovereignty.
The delivery is expected not to alter the regional military balance, as the capabilities are primarily defensive and targeted at countering existing threats.Funding for this project is provided by Denmark, the Netherlands, and Norway, along with the Foreign Military Financing (FMF) program, which enables U.S.
allies to purchase defense systems and equipment.
This illustrates ongoing collaboration with NATO allies, focused on creating scalable and rapidly deployable defense systems.Final costs and implementation timelines will be determined after the contract signing.
The necessary certifications from Congress have already been received.
The ERAM missiles have a range of over 450 kilometers, a speed of approximately 700 km/h, and are resistant to electronic warfare.
Designed for use with aircraft like the F-16, MiG-29, and Su-27, they can target radar stations, air defense systems, and naval targets, representing a key element in Ukraine’s defense strategy.