US approves urgent sale of 3 HIMARS systems to Ukraine

HIMARS multiple-launch missile systems. Stock photo: Getty Images

The US Department of State has approved the urgent sale of three HIMARS multiple-launch rocket systems to Ukraine for approximately US$30 million.

Source: European Pravda, citing the Pentagon’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency

Details: In a statement, the agency said that Ukraine has requested to purchase three HIMARS missile systems, which will be funded by the German government.

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US Secretary of State Antony Blinken noted that there is an emergency that requires the urgent sale of these systems to Ukraine, which will come from the United States Army’s stockpile.

Background:

• Earlier, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius announced Germany’s intention to purchase three HIMARS missile launchers from the United States and transfer them to Ukraine.
• US President Joe Biden signed a decree allocating up to US$400 million in military aid to Ukraine from US Army stockpiles.
• The new US package includes additional ammo for Patriot and NASAMS systems, Stinger anti-aircraft missiles, more HIMARS systems with ammunition, 155-mm and 105-mm artillery shells, and “equipment for integrating Western launchers, missiles, and radars with Ukrainian systems”.
• On 24 April, US President Joe Biden signed a package of legislation passed by Congress that includes nearly US$61 billion in aid to Ukraine and other US allies. Immediately afterwards, the US announced a US$1 billion military aid package for Ukraine.

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