The Trump administration this week signed off on a $825 million sale of long-range missiles and related equipment to Ukraine, providing new and relatively low-cost strike capability against Russia as U.S. efforts to broker peace have stalled.
On Thursday, the State Department notified Congress that it had approved the sale of 3,350 extended-range attack munitions (ERAM) missiles, along with the GPS navigation systems, spare parts and other equipment.
Ukraine will utilize funding from Denmark, the Netherlands and Norway, as well as foreign military financing from the U.S., for the purchase.
The ERAM is a precision munition designed for both long-range air-to-ground and anti-ship engagements.
“The ERAM is an example of working together with our NATO allies to develop a capable and scalable system capable of being delivered on a fast timeline,” the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said in a statement.
The sale will support U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives by enhancing the security of a partner country that is a key force for political stability and economic progress in Europe, the State Department said.
“This proposed sale will improve Ukraine’s capability to meet current and future threats by further equipping it to conduct self-defense and regional security missions,” State Department officials said. “Ukraine will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces.”
U.S. officials said the sale of the ERAM missiles to Ukraine won’t alter the basic military balance in the region. It comes as Russia intensified its attacks against Ukraine despite President Trump’s recent summit in Alaska with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
