The US State Department has approved a potential $2.68-billion sale to Ukraine of an air defense upgrade package that includes S-300 Clone missiles.
The approval comes as Ukraine faces continued Russian missile attacks and shortages of air defense interceptors, including Patriot missiles.
Under the proposed deal, Ukraine would receive S-300 Clone missiles, GAM-67 missiles, Range-Extended Air Defense Laser Guided Rocket missile systems, Improvised Transporter Erector Launcher 1.5 systems, mobile launching-system modification kits, RPS 202 counter-unmanned aircraft system radars, and erectable mast trailers.
Additional support would cover major modifications and maintenance, spare parts, consumables and accessories, repair and return services, software, transportation, and US government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics assistance.
The State Department said the sale would improve Ukraine’s ability to address current and future threats by providing a more robust air-defense capability.
No contract has been awarded yet, as the proposed Foreign Military Sale would involve competitive selection of contractors.
S-300 Clone
The State Department has disclosed no technical details about the S-300 Clone missiles, GAM-67 missiles, or Range-Extended Air-Defense Laser-Guided Rocket missile systems included in the proposed sale.
Colonel Robert Hamilton (Retired), president of the Delphi Global Research Center, a military consulting firm, told CBS News last month that the US and Ukraine are upgrading older S-300 missiles or developing a newer S-300 variant with enhanced capabilities. He said the missiles could be ready by the end of this year, with annual production potentially reaching 100 to 200 units.
Defense Express, meanwhile, reported that the S-300 Clone is a newly designed missile with enhanced performance and a more modern guidance system, rather than a replica of the Soviet-era 5V55 interceptor.
The GAM-67 designation was previously used for an unrealized US anti-radar missile project in the 1950s. The weapon currently associated with the designation is reportedly a new development intended for medium-range air defense systems, including Soviet-era systems already in service and newer platforms under development.
