The US State Department has approved the sale of three High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launchers to Ukraine for an estimated $30 million.
Germany initiated the sale on behalf of Ukraine as the $61-billion Ukraine military aid bill was still being discussed in US Congress.
The bill was eventually passed in late April following months of uncertainty.
“The decision of Congress has overtaken us, but we’re sticking with it,” Defense News quoted German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius as saying.
To Be Sent Immediately
The Lockheed Martin systems will be drawn from the US Army inventory and sent immediately without congressional review.
“The Secretary of State has determined and provided detailed justification that an emergency exists that requires the immediate sale to the Government of Ukraine of the above defense articles and services in the national security interests of the United States, thereby waiving the congressional review requirements under Section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act, as amended,” the Defense Security Cooperation Agency explained.
The sale does not require any US government or contractor representatives to visit Ukraine.
More HIMARS
Meanwhile, the US announced a $400-million aid package for Ukraine Friday, including HIMARS, Patriot munitions, NASAMS, Stinger missiles, and armored vehicles.
The Presidential Drawdown Authority package will also be taken from the US military inventory.