WASHINGTON DC – The US State Department on Thursday approved two potential military sales to Ukraine, totaling an estimated $330 million, further bolstering Kyiv’s defense capabilities.
These approvals follow significant developments on Wednesday, when the Trump administration announced additional military aid and a new EU-backed funding model for weapons. The latest sales include M109 Self-Propelled Howitzer Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul Capability, valued at an estimated $150 million, and Air Defense Sustainment, estimated at $180 million.
These initiatives aim to enhance Ukraine’s ability to maintain its US-provided weapon systems, improve operational rates, and strengthen its air defense network against ongoing threats.
Principal contractors for the Howitzer maintenance include BAE Systems, Daimler Truck North America, and Allison Transmission Inc., with work set to be performed in Europe.
For air defense sustainment, key contractors are Sierra Nevada Corporation, V2X, Inc., Radionix, and Systems Electronic Export. Adding to the backdrop, President Donald Trump announced on July 23 a new agreement with the EU where Brussels will fully fund the purchase of US-manufactured weapons and military equipment, with a significant portion designated for Ukraine.
This new financing model signals a shift in US support for Kyiv, emphasizing a collaborative approach with European allies for sustained military assistance.The Defense Security Cooperation Agency has notified Congress of all recent determinations, emphasizing that the sales are consistent with US foreign policy and national security objectives and will not alter the basic military balance in the region.However, some experts question the strategic impact of these aid packages.
Colonel (Ret.) Richard Williams, a veteran with extensive experience in the US military and NATO leadership, told Kyiv Post on Thursday that the “sale” of these weapons rather than a no-cost transfer was “ironic” and benefited the US at Ukraine’s expense.
He criticized the statement that the sales “would not alter the basic military balance in the region,” suggesting it served an undisclosed agenda.
Williams argued that the current level of US aid only keeps Ukraine “barely” in the war, not making a substantial difference, and contributes to a continuation of the status quo.
He concluded that the US has the capacity to provide much more significant assistance, but has held back due to various fears, ultimately supplying “minimal aid” while Ukrainians face “severe civilian casualties.”